Qué es el cáncer?

Cancer encompasses a group of diseases characterized by the proliferation of abnormal cells, which divide, grow and can spread uncontrollably in any part of the body. These cells form masses of tissue called tumors or neoplasms, causing problems in the area of the body where they develop; besides, they can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells differ from normal cells in many ways: they are less specialized cells, they ignore signals to stop their proliferation and to die when necessary, they influence normal cells, they have the ability to evade the immune system, they grow uncontrollably, and they become invasive. Cancer is considered a preventable disease, adopting strategies to avoid risk factors. In addition to being preventable, some types of cancer can be detected early. The purpose of early detection is to identify the tumor when it is located in the organ of origin, before it spreads to other organs, or to detect precancerous lesions (benign tumors). The correct diagnosis of cancer is essential to be able to establish an adequate and effective treatment. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about cancer, including that this disease is synonymous with death.