What is cancer?

What is Cancer? 

One of our core beliefs at Catch is that when it comes to our health, knowledge is power. Understanding cancer and how it develops and progresses in the body can empower individuals to make informed choices about their health, and ultimately reduce their risk. 

In simple terms, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in a regulated manner. However when that process is disrupted, cells start multiplying uncontrollably and form masses known as tumors (in blood cancers these abnormal cells act differently; see our cancer guides for more information on specific cancers). 

Tumors can interfere with the body's regular functions, and in severe cases metastasize (i.e., spread to other parts of the body). This can damage vital organs and disrupt bodily functions, in many cases leading to death.

There are many different types of cancer, sub-categorized based on where they originate:

• Carcinomas: Cancers that start in the skin, organs, or glands
• Sarcomas: Cancers that begin in bones, muscles, cartilage, fat, blood vessels, or other connective tissues in the body
• Leukemias and myelomas: Cancers that start in the blood or blood-forming tissue, such as bone marrow (these cancers usually don’t create tumors)
• Lymphomas: Cancers that start in the lymphocytes (a vital part of the immune system)
• Central Nervous System Cancers: Cancers that begin in the brain and spinal cord 

Many people believe that cancer stems from a combination of bad genes and bad luck.  In reality, the causes of cancer are multifaceted. While some cancers have a genetic predisposition, the majority of cancer risk is driven by a range of environmental and lifestyle factors, many of which are controllable. There are several well-established risk factors that contribute to overall cancer risk: 

• Carcinogens: Exposure to carcinogens (substances capable of causing cancer) can contribute significantly to overall cancer risk. In addition to well-known carcinogens such as tobacco smoke and radiation, there are a number of lesser-known substances that have been proven to increase cancer risk, and even more–such as microplastics and PFAs–whose risks we’re only now beginning to study. 
• Diet and physical activity: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity have all been linked to increased cancer risk. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been tied to many cancers. 
• Infections: Certain infections–such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and H Pylori–have been shown to increase the risk of multiple cancers. 
• Hormonal factors/endocrine disruptors: Hormones play a significant role in cell growth and proliferation, and hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of certain cancers. Exposure to substances with known endocrine-disrupting properties can significantly impact the body’s hormonal landscape, leading to changes in cancer risk across multiple types of cancer. 
• Inflammation and immune response: Chronic inflammation and impaired immune response create an environment conducive to cancer development. Inflammation can lead to DNA damage and promote cell proliferation, while an ineffective immune system may fail to recognize and destroy cancerous cells. In addition to certain medical conditions, several lifestyle factors can contribute to chronic inflammation and/or impact the effectiveness of the immune system. 
• Genetic mutations: Mutations in the DNA can alter the normal functions of genes involved in cell growth and division. These mutations can be inherited (germline mutations) or acquired (somatic mutations) due to environmental factors. Avoiding the environmental triggers for somatic mutations can meaningfully shift an individual’s risk of developing these mutations.

The severity of cancer is determined through a process called staging, which assesses the extent of cancer in the body. There are multiple methodologies for staging. One well-known system, known as TNM staging^[1], assesses the Tumor (the size and extent of the primary tumor), Nodes (involvement of regional lymph nodes), and Metastasis (the spread of cancer to other parts of the body).  The TNM system combines these classifications to assign an overall stage to the cancer, ranging from Stage 0 to Stage IV. Another staging methodology utilized by the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program breaks down cancer survival rates based on how far the cancer has spread; this system categorizes most cancers as localized, regional, or distant^[2]. 

Early detection plays a pivotal role in the battle against cancer. Screening tools such as imaging, biopsies, and targeted blood tests can help to both diagnose cancer and provide more information as to the prognosis and best course of treatment. Detecting cancer early can improve patient survival rates by a factor of up to 15x^[3]. The science surrounding cancer detection is advancing at a rapid pace, and novel innovations such as liquid biopsies continue to make screening more accurate and accessible for all.

Individuals can also make targeted lifestyle choices to help reduce their risk of cancer. Nutritional choices, physical activity, and environmental exposure (among other health decisions) can drastically reduce an individual’s risk for cancer. 

At Catch, we believe that everyone deserves to understand their personal cancer risk, and to be armed with the tools to change it. With the help of our AI-powered risk model and comprehensive personalized Catch Testing Protocol and Catch Action Plan, the fight against cancer is more winnable than ever.

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