Rina Das Rina Das Asked 6 months ago

Are cancer cells alive?

I was having a discussion with my niece about biology and cancer. We were talking about cells and their properties. Are cancer cells considered 'alive' in the same way normal cells are, or is there a distinction?

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7 answers

Harish Salve Harish Salve Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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Yes, cancer cells are very much alive and they grow and divide much faster than our normal healthy body cells. When my family member went through treatment, the doctors explained how chemotherapy specifically targets these fast-growing living cells. It is crucial to follow the oncologist's plan strictly to stop them.

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

They are alive, which is honestly more than I can say for myself after staring at the ceiling until 4 AM. But jokes aside, yes, they are living, active cells in the body. If you are reading up on this late at night, please close the tabs and sleep, it is much better for your own living cells!

Shalini Mukerjee Shalini Mukerjee Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Biologically speaking, yes, cancer cells are living cells that have mutated and lost the signals that tell normal cells when to stop dividing. Because they are alive and dynamic, they require highly specialized targeted treatments. It is absolutely essential to consult an oncologist to understand how they are managed.

Gita Swaminathan Gita Swaminathan Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I am not a doctor so I cannot give you any medical or scientific explanations about cellular structure. I only know from my sister's treatment that these cells are living and that is why doctors use targeted therapies to destroy them. It's always best to let the experts handle the details.

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Consult a radiation oncologist

Rohan Joshi Rohan Joshi Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Oh, they are definitely alive and basically behave like that one annoying uninvited relative who eats all the food and refuses to leave the party. But don't worry, modern medicine has amazing ways to show them the exit door. Stay positive!

Shanti Devi Shanti Devi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Yes dear, they are living cells of our own body that have lost their way and started behaving abnormally. Along with your medical treatments, try to keep your mind peaceful with light meditation and positive thoughts. Taking care of your inner spirit helps the body heal much better.

Deepak Menon Deepak Menon Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Yes, they are living cells. When we were dealing with this in my family, we visited a reputed oncology hospital and the doctor drew a neat diagram explaining how they survive and replicate. I highly recommend writing down all your biological questions and asking your treating doctor clearly during your next visit.

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