Cancer
The majority of cancers are due to genetic mutations from environment and lifestyle factors; for some cases the inherited genetic defects play a role as well. During the process of transformation of normal cells into cancer cells (referred as carcinogenesis) many changes happen. The changes at the genetic level include so-called oncogenes (promote cell growth) as well as tumor suppressor genes (inhibit cell division and survival). Each person’s cancer has a unique combination of genetic changes.A tumor or neoplasm is a mass of abnormal tissue that arises from abnormal cells. Benign tumors are circumscribed and localized and do not transform into cancer. On the other hand, malignant tumors are commonly called cancer - they invade and destroy the surrounding tissue and may form metastases.
There is a strong platform for research and novel therapy approaches, for example: immunotherapy, personalized medicine, and targeted therapy. However, in the majority of cases, patients will receive chemotherapy together with surgery and radiation therapy. There are many effective anti-cancer agents, but some are associated with severe side effects; cancer cells can also develop resistance.