Which of the following statements describes a characteristic of cancer?

Cancer cells can metastasize

Among the given options, the correct characteristic of cancer is:

(d) Cancer cells can metastasize.

Metastasis refers to the ability of cancer cells to spread from their original site to other parts of the body. This process occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, invade nearby tissues or blood vessels, and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to establish new tumors in different organs or tissues. Metastasis is a hallmark of cancer and is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths.

Cancer cells acquire the ability to metastasize through various mechanisms, including changes in cell adhesion molecules, activation of specific signaling pathways, and evasion of the immune system. Once cancer cells have metastasized, they can form secondary tumors in distant locations, leading to the spread and progression of the disease.

It is important to note that not all tumors are cancerous. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not invade nearby tissues or metastasize, while malignant tumors, which are characteristic of cancer, have the ability to invade and metastasize.

Therefore, the characteristic that distinguishes cancer from other conditions is the ability of cancer cells to metastasize and establish secondary tumors in different parts of the body.