Cancer biology

Abstract

Cancer is caused by abnormalities in the genetic material of the cells. These abnormalities may be due to the effects of carcinogens, errors in DNA replication, or inherited from one's parents.The hallmark of cancer is the ability of these abnormal cells to divide uncontrollably and to infiltrate and destroy local and/or distant normal tissues.In order to achieve this cancer cells have a series of distinct traits; self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to antigrowth signals, evasion of apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis and tumor invasion and metastasis.These distinct traits will be discussed in detail in this chapter.We hopethat a better understanding of the biology of the cancer cell will lead to improved screening, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, translating into reduced morbidity and mortality from cancers. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.