Institut Claudius Regaud

Cancer is caused by genetic abnormalities in cells. This leads to uncontrolled growth and results in the formation of a tumour. After years of research, recent work has enable us to define the key steps involved in the formation of tumours (Oncogenesis).

A tumour is not synonymous with cancer

Cancer is a malignant tumour. Benign tumours also exist (adenomas, beauty spots, moles etc.) which result from the uncontrolled growth of normal cells.

How does metastasis occur?

After cancerous cells develop within an organism leading to the formation of a primary tumour, they can circulate through blood vessels to reach other organs where they create a metastasis (secondary tumour). The formation of a mestasis is rare when the number of cancerous cells circulating around the body aretaken into consideration.

What are the known causes of cancer?

Around 80% of cancers result from external factors. Some are related to the environment and some to lifestyle and behaviour. More than 60 factors are known to be carcinogenic to humans. These include tobacco, alcohol, rays of light and food. These factors can be controlled and are at the origin of more than 50% of cancers.