Why Do We Die of Cancer? A Brief Overview of the Pathophysiology of Cancer

Originally published online at https://arbonahealthhub.com/2024/11/26/why-do-we-die-of-cancer-a-brief-overview-of-the-pathophysiology-of-death-from-cancer/ This article provides an overview of how cancer leads to death by detailing the progression from unchecked cellular mutations to benign and malignant tumor formation, and the subsequent mechanisms—such as tissue hypoxia from vascular compression, organ parenchyma destruction, hemorrhage due to vessel invasion, and critical pathway obstruction, that compromise vital physiological functions. It also highlights how metastasis spreads cancer cells via the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant organs, exacerbating organ failure, and discusses how standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, while targeting tumors, can further weaken the immune system and increase the risk of fatal infections or systemic inflammation. Together, these factors—tumor growth, metastasis, organ collapse, and treatment‐related complications—converge to precipitate the multisystem failure that ultimately results in death from cancer.