A new animation on YouTube, created by Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, offers a vivid look at how cancer forms inside the body. It explains that genetic mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that may be benign or malignant.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with the American Cancer Society predicting over two million new cases and more than 600,000 deaths in the US in 2025. The video explains that malignant tumors can spread to other organs, a process called metastasis.
The exact causes of mutations are often unknown, but certain factors increase cancer risk. The detailed explanation unsettled many viewers, sparking questions about cancer treatment before modern medicine.
Another related video by Dr. Paulien Moyaert showed how cancer can cause organ failure, such as blocking digestion or causing the pancreas to self-destruct, which is especially painful and deadly.
When cancer reaches the lungs, it can cause death by suffocation. The simulation also covers how cancer and chemotherapy weaken the immune system by damaging bone marrow, which produces blood cells.
Cancer cells invading bone marrow cause anemia, reduce white blood cells, and lower platelets, leading to infection risks and bleeding.
Cachexia, a wasting condition caused by cancer toxins, causes rapid weight and muscle loss in many patients and is responsible for a significant portion of cancer deaths, especially in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.
While treatments can help manage cachexia, cancer’s growth often overwhelms the body’s defenses. This simulation provides a clear and sobering understanding of cancer’s effects on the body.
