Final answer:
Cancer is a disease where cells divide uncontrollably and harm body tissues, often forming tumors. It can be treated via methods like surgery and chemotherapy, with success rates higher when detected early.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells with the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
These changes in the cells often result from DNA damage that disrupts the normal cell cycle and cell division processes. When cancer cells form a mass, it is called a tumor, and these can harm nearby tissue, possibly leading to death if left untreated.
The treatment of cancer can include a combination of strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Each method is designed to eliminate cancer cells or hinder their growth. The overall treatment chosen often depends on the type and stage of the cancer, with early detection being critical to increase the chances for successful treatment.