Cancer starts with DNA mutations. These may lead to out-of-control growth and replication of mutated cells. In this video, learn about how cancer grows, the difference between benign and malignant tumors, and how a tumor can progress to advanced-stage cancer.
You can read more about how cancer cells start, develop into tumors, and spread in the body here.
References
National Cancer Institute. (2018). Cancer-causing substances in the environment.
National Cancer Institute. (2021). What is cancer?
National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). Mutation.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MDSanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.
