answersLogoWhite

0

Cancer is a strange disease in that it is the body's own cells doing the damage. Normal cells have what is known as cell growth inhibition. This means the cells don't overcrowd each other and the cells are able to perform their function.

Cancer is basically cells that don't have this growth inhibition. In fact, the cell is programmed so that all it desires to do is reproduce. As the cells grow rapidly, they form a tumor. This tumor does not do the function a normal cell would do, but instead takes nutrients and oxygen from the blood and use this to do nothing but reproduce.

As the tumor grows, it overcrowds the normal cells and inhibits them from properly doing their job. For instance if a tumor is growing in the lungs, it can prevent the normal cells around them from intaking oxygen and exporting carbon dioxide.

This eventually leads to organ failure. Not only can this be damaging to the organ the cancer cell started in, but if cancer cells enter the lymph system or blood stream, they travel to other body sites and begin a new tumor.

This can lead to multi-organ failure, and eventually death.

Fortunately there are many ways we can prevent cancer, such as not smoking, exercising, eating a proper diet, and receiving anual check ups from a doctor.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

How do chemistry affect cancer?

I work in a lab with carcinogens. Many carcinogens cause damage to the genome or to the cell as a whole. When DNA is damaged (or mutated) in regions that are specific to cell growth, this can cause cells to grow out of control and lead to cancer. And cell damage simply increases your risk because the body is having to repair itself more often. This is why things like drinking and smoking can cause cancer. Sometimes carcinogens are called mutagenic agents. These are the chemicals that cause mutations in the DNA.


What is the difference between cancer cells and old cells?

Cancer cells are abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues, whereas old cells are normal cells that have reached the end of their lifespan and stop dividing. Cancer cells can cause tumors and metastasize, while old cells are usually cleared away by the immune system.


Cells that have lost the ability to control the rate at which they reproduce are called?

This can cause the well known disease cancer.


Why is it so important that cells divide correctly?

Cells must divide correctly to maintain tissue structure and function. Mistakes in cell division can lead to genetic mutations, DNA damage, and cell dysfunction, which can in turn cause diseases such as cancer. Proper cell division also ensures that new cells are produced to replace old or damaged cells, allowing for growth and tissue repair.


What could exposure to ionizing radiation cause?

Exposure to ionizing radiation can potentially cause damage to cells, DNA mutations, an increased risk of cancer, and various health effects depending on the dosage and duration of exposure. It is important to limit exposure to ionizing radiation and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks.

Related Questions

How does chemestry affect cancer?

Chemicals that do not cause cancer by themselves but can act with another chemical to cause cancer (cocarcinogens). Damage to DNA in cells can lead to cancer. ... Unrepaired DNA damage can lead to mutations, or changes, in genes, and mutations in certain genes can cause cancer. You can also inherit mutations.


Why do people get cancer even if they don't smoke?

Because that is their fate. _________________________________________________ Cancer is caused by cell damage. Cancer is out of control cells that just keep multiplying. Lots of things can cause cell damage.


How does radon cause lung cancer?

Alpha particles emitted by radon damage the cells of the pulmonary alveoli.


Can a large penis cause cervical cancer?

A large penis can during sex, hit the cervix and cause some damage the the cervical cells. If damage is done on a regular basis, the cells can become pre-cancerous and cancerous.


What two heath habits cause cancer?

DNA-damage in the cell and unability of the cell to repair it are the two major cause for cancer.ALCOHOL ,smooking and ulcers are the major risk factor for developing cancer.


How do chemistry affect cancer?

I work in a lab with carcinogens. Many carcinogens cause damage to the genome or to the cell as a whole. When DNA is damaged (or mutated) in regions that are specific to cell growth, this can cause cells to grow out of control and lead to cancer. And cell damage simply increases your risk because the body is having to repair itself more often. This is why things like drinking and smoking can cause cancer. Sometimes carcinogens are called mutagenic agents. These are the chemicals that cause mutations in the DNA.


What happens in a cancer growth?

When the UV rays hit your skin it can cause damage to your DNA cells. this is called getting sunburned. when you get too much sun exposure and your DNA cells are damaged beyond repair then this might cause your DNA cells to break apart. this will cause more cells to form and when the cells reach the flesh it forms skin cancer.


What is the difference between cancer cells and old cells?

Cancer cells are abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues, whereas old cells are normal cells that have reached the end of their lifespan and stop dividing. Cancer cells can cause tumors and metastasize, while old cells are usually cleared away by the immune system.


Can pinching the skin cause cancer?

No. Pinching the skin cannot cause cancer. While the direct cause of cancer is relatively unknown, it is known that bumps, bruises, and yes, even pinching the skin, cannot be the culprit. Cancer is the abnormal division and formation of cells in the body. While pinching your skin may cause bruising and pain, it will not cause skin cells to mass produce abnormally.


How do UV rays contribute to the development of cancer?

UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause cancer to develop. UV rays can also weaken the immune system's ability to fight off cancer cells.


How does UV radiation cause skin cancer?

UV radiation causes skin cancer by damaging the DNA in skin cells. This damage can lead to mutations that can cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, forming cancerous tumors. UV radiation can also weaken the immune system's ability to repair damaged cells, further increasing the risk of skin cancer.


What are the two cells in the body that can cause cancer?

Your white blood cell can cause cancer