Cancer occurs when cells, the building blocks of the human body, grow and multiply at an uncontrollable rate.
Normal Cells
During the early stages of life, normal cells multiply faster to aid in the growth and development of the human body. In adulthood, normal cells only multiply to replace dying or worn-out cells and repair bodily injuries. Eventually, normal cells stop growing and die.
Cancer Cells
Cancer cells continue to grow, multiply uncontrollably and live longer. Uncontrollable cell growth may develop into a lump called a tumour. A tumour falls into two categories. A benign or noncancerous tumour does not multiply beyond its normal boundary. Malignant or cancerous cells grow outside the original boundary, and can destroy normal cells and harm healthy tissue. Cancer spreads when abnormal cells travel to other parts of the body and form new tumours. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer from one area of the body to another.
