What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases where abnormal cells develop and begin to grow out of control. Often time, these abnormal cells are recognized by the body’s own immune system and destroyed. Sometimes this abnormal growth can develop into masses or tumors that can continue to grow and spread throughout the body. Cancer can also develop in cells of the blood and don’t usually form solid tumors.

Cancer occurs when changes happen to the genes in the body that are responsible for controlling how cells function, including how they grow and divide. As cancers continue to grow, it is possible for additional genetic changes to happen.