What is Cancer?

This section of our website is dedicated to providing individuals and families who may be at risk of developing prostate cancer with comprehensive and up to date information on prostate cancer prevention.

Normally, our cells undergo a predictable cycle of growth and renewal. This cell cycle is controlled by genetic material contained within each cell called DNA. Each cell responds to signals or instructions from the DNA. When damage occurs to DNA this signalling system fails and cells may begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrolled manner.

As abnormal cells continue to change and multiply, the body loses its ability to control the behaviour of these cells. When this happens, these cells are described as malignant or cancerous. With time cancerous cells may spread or metastasize to other locations in the body.

An abnormal cell develops	From abnormal cells, a cancerous cell develops	Cancerous cells spread, forming a tumour