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The Progression of Cancer: A Striking Simulation Reveals How the Disease Kills

Cancer remains a formidable health challenge globally. In 2025 alone, the NIH estimates a staggering 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. Their statistics indicate that breast, lung and bronchus, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for almost 50% of all new cases, while lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all cancer deaths.

But what exactly happens in the body as cancer progresses to its fatal stages? Dr. Paulien Moyaert, through a powerful 3D simulation on her YouTube channel, illustrates that it's often not just the cancer itself, but the severe side effects it triggers, that ultimately lead to death.

Understanding Cancer's Deadly Mechanisms

Dr. Moyaert's 4-minute video, which has been viewed over 6.6 million times, offers a vivid explanation of how cancer can claim a life:

1. Metastasis and Organ Failure: The most lethal form of cancer is often metastatic cancer, where a single cancer cell breaks away from the primary tumor, travels through the body, and establishes a new tumor in a different organ. These new tumors can grow extensively, filling organs and preventing them from functioning properly, which can be fatal.

   • For instance, if cancer grows in the digestive system, it can obstruct the digestion and absorption of food. It can also block the expulsion of feces, or even lead to perforation of the digestive tract, which is fatal if not surgically corrected.

   • When cancer affects the pancreatic ducts, the simulation illustrates how the pancreas can begin to "digest itself," making pancreatic cancer one of the deadliest and most painful forms of the disease.

   • In cases of lung cancer, death can occur from asphyxiation, a condition where the body doesn't receive enough oxygen due to impaired lung function.

2. Infections Due to Compromised Immunity: A second common cause of death in cancer patients is infection.

   • "Having cancer impairs immunity," the video explains. This problem is compounded by chemotherapy, which suppresses the bone marrow – the body's factory for producing white blood cells.

   • Both chemotherapy and the "infiltration of cancer cells" can severely impair bone marrow function. When cancer grows directly in the bone marrow, it eventually leads to an insufficient production of healthy blood cells. This results in:

     • Anemia: A drop in red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness.

     • Drop in white blood cells: Compromising the body's ability to fight infection and control bacteria.

     • Drop in platelets: Preventing the body from controlling abnormal bleeding.

3. Cachexia (Muscle Loss): Around 50% of all cancer patients suffer from cachexia, a serious complication characterized by significant muscle loss and severe wasting. This can drastically weaken the body and contribute to poor outcomes.

Pain Management and Comfort Care

Despite the grim progression of the disease, Dr. Moyaert's video emphasizes a critical point: no cancer patient should die in pain. Effective pain control treatments, such as morphine and opium, are available to ensure comfort during the final stages of the illness.

This striking simulation provides a vital understanding of the complex ways cancer impacts the body, beyond just tumor growth, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care and symptom management.