What causes cancer in the human body?

The development of cancer in the human body is fundamentally linked to the accumulation of mutations in DNA that lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. These mutations can arise from various sources, including environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors. When cells undergo these mutations, they can lose the normal regulatory mechanisms that control growth and division, resulting in excessive and unregulated cell proliferation. This process is a hallmark of cancerous cells, allowing them to multiply rapidly and form tumors.

While exposure to UV radiation and a diet high in processed foods can contribute to the risk of developing cancer by introducing mutagens or promoting conditions favorable for tumor growth, the central mechanism driving cancer is the genetic alteration itself, which leads to that uncontrolled proliferation. Benign tumors, on the other hand, do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body and thus are not considered cancerous; they typically grow more slowly and remain localized. Hence, the essence of cancer lies in the accumulation of mutations that propel cells into a state of unchecked growth, marking option A as the most accurate explanation of cancer’s causative factors.