What is carcinogenesis?

Carcinogenesis refers to the complex process through which normal cells transform into cancerous cells. This transformation involves multiple stages, including initiation (where genetic damage occurs), promotion (where the damaged cells begin to proliferate), and progression (where the cells acquire further mutations that enable them to invade other tissues and form tumors). Understanding this process is crucial because it highlights the factors that can contribute to cancer development, including environmental influences, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle choices. The process of carcinogenesis illustrates the transition from a regulated state of normal cell growth to a state characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer.