I. Cancer Definition - Not a single disease, but many. Common characteristics include abnormal cell growth, division, differentiation, and ability to metastasize. 6 pt 6 pt 0 I. Cancer Definition - Not a single disease, but many. Common characteristics include abnormal cell growth, division, differentiation, and ability to metastasize. Protooncogenes - Carries instructions that produce proteins that regulate cell growth, division, and differentiation.
Normal cells stop growing and dividing at appropriate times.
Speed up rate of cellular growth and reduce the level of cellular differentiation. Slow the growth of cells. If mutated don t restrict cell growth. Mutations are inherited, caused by exposure to drugs, low-dose radiation, toxic chemicals and viruses. Develops over time - Increases as we age and exposure to carcinogens.