Cancer

Cancer begins when changes in a cell disrupt this control. The affected cell and its descendants may continue to grow and divide even though the body does not need more cells. This uncontrolled growth and division is the central feature of cancer.

Cancer results from changes in cells that disrupt these normal controls. These changes can include mutations in DNA. If genes involved in controlling the cell cycle are altered, a cell may no longer respond properly to signals that tell it when to divide or stop dividing.

Many forms of cancer are also non-communicable. Cancer develops when changes in cells lead to uncontrolled growth and division. Some exposures, such as chemicals in tobacco smoke, can raise the risk, while inherited characteristics may also matter.

Cancer is a non-communicable disease: it cannot be passed from one person to another like an infection. It begins when changes occur in a cell's DNA. Such a change is called a mutation.