Cancer Information Center
Table of Contents
What Causes Cancer?
The human body is made up of trillions of cells. These cells are the “building blocks of life,” constituting the basic structural unit of any organism. New cells are formed when these cells divide and grow. Upon growing old or getting damaged, these cells die, and the new cells replace them. When this pattern of cell division gets disrupted, and when they start proliferating abnormally, cancer develops.
The continuous division of these cells can form tissue masses, which become a tumor. These tumors are either benign or cancerous. If benign, the tumor can grow, but it does not spread and can be removed. After removal, a benign tumor might not grow back. However, if cancerous, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis, where cancer can spread to other vital organs like lungs, brain, liver, etc., and become fatal.
What Are The Stages Of Cancer?
Stage 0
Cancer is located at its origin and has not spread to nearby tissues. Often curable.
Stage 1
Cancer is small and hasn’t spread into other organs. Early-stage cancer.
Stage 2
Cancer has grown but hasn’t spread far. May reach nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3
Cancer has grown large and spread into nearby tissues and nodes.
Stage 4
Cancer has spread to other organs. Advanced or metastatic stage.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cancer?
Fatigue
Blood in stools
Persistent change in urine or stool routine
Persistent heartburn or indigestion
Lump or thickening in the breast
Sudden unexplained weight loss or gain
Skin changes like yellowing, redness, or darkness
Development of sores that don’t heal or changes in an existing mole
