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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Defining Cancer > Section Summary: What is Cancer?

Section Summary: What is Cancer?

Hallmarks of Cancer

• Cancer typically arises from genetic changes to a single cell.
• Numerous changes are necessary to create a cancer cell from a normal cell.
• Additional changes must occur to allow a tumor to form and spread.
• Cancer cells must acquire the following set of capabilities in order to proliferate:
  • Unlimited number of cell divisions
  • Growth without external signals
  • Failure to respond to 'stop' signals
  • Avoidance of cell death
  • Acquire an adequate food supply via the promotion of blood vessel formation
  • The ability to leave the original tumor location and form a new tumor, or metastasis

Characteristics of Cancer Cells

• Cytoskeletal changes allow a cell to alter its appearance and interactions. Helps in cell motility.
• Cancer cells have less cell:cell and cell:surroundings connections allowing the cell to become mobile.
• A cancer cell's nucleus may be markedly different from that of a normal cell's.
• Cancer cells often secrete enzymes that allow it to invade neighboring tissues.
• Cancerous tissue is disorganized and appears abnormal.