Cancer Cells | Community Health

Cancer cells are abnormal cells that continuously divide and proliferate, forming tumors or flooding the blood and lymph systems with malignant cells. Unlike healthy cells, which stop dividing when they reach a certain point, cancer cells continue to produce copies of themselves, leading to uncontrolled growth and potentially life-threatening consequences. According to the [[world-health-organization|World Health Organization]], cancer is responsible for over 9.6 million deaths worldwide in 2018, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. The [[national-cancer-institute|National Cancer Institute]] estimates that approximately 1.8 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, with over 600,000 deaths. Understanding the biology and behavior of cancer cells is crucial for developing effective treatments and improving patient outcomes. Research has shown that cancer cells can arise from genetic mutations, environmental factors, and viral infections, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in cancer development. For example, the [[human-papillomavirus|Human Papillomavirus]] (HPV) is a known risk factor for cervical cancer, while the [[tobacco-industry|tobacco industry]] has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.