Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Casual factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote carcinogenesis. Ten or more years often pas between exposures or mutations and detectable cancer. All cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented completely. Many cancers that are related to dietary factors could also be prevented.