Cancer is a disease that develops when cells start to grow and divide out of control. It can affect any part of the body, including the skin, bones, blood vessels and muscles. It can also spread to other parts of the body through the lymph and blood systems, a process called metastasis. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, and each type starts in a different cell or area of the body. There are many ways to treat cancer, and new treatments are being developed all the time.

A cancer is a group of abnormal cells that grow out of control and form tumours, or lumps. The different types of cancer are named after the tissue or organ they begin in, such as breast cancer or brain cancer. They are also named after the kind of change they make in cells, such as mutations that can cause cancer cells to grow and divide out of control.

Normally, the genes that control the way our cells work help them develop and repair themselves. Mutations can happen by chance when a cell divides to make more cells. The cells can also get damaged by things like radiation or chemicals that can damage DNA. A series of mutations can lead to cancer.

There are many ways to help prevent cancer, such as eating a balanced diet, being active and not smoking. Keeping a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol and protecting your skin from the sun can also help. If you have a family history of cancer, you may be at higher risk.

Cancer can be cured in some cases, but most types of cancer are not cured. Whether a cancer is curable depends on how fast it grows and how far it spreads. A doctor will use a system to classify the cancer based on where it started and how it has spread. This helps them plan treatment and give supportive care.

Cancer treatments include surgery, radiation and drugs. Some of these can kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. Others can block the blood supply that cancer cells need to grow, or they can help your immune system destroy cancer cells. There are also many ways to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as pain relievers and other medicines.

The most common types of cancer are breast, prostate and lung cancer. Other cancers can occur in the blood, bowel, stomach and kidneys. Cancers that are affecting the brain and bones are treated differently. They are often diagnosed later than other cancers because they can be hard to find. Some types of cancer are more likely to spread than others, and it is important to see a doctor for regular check-ups. This will help them spot problems early, when they are easier to treat. A cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is harder to cure. However, treatments that target the cancer and help your immune system fight it can still improve your chances of a cure.