How cancer gets a blood supply – transcript

Voiceover – Cancer starts when cells multiply out of control forming a tumour.

Once the tumour reaches a certain size, about the size of a grain of sugar, it needs its own blood supply.

The tumour produces chemical signals which reach the blood vessels nearby.

The signals hijack the blood vessel causing new vessels to sprout and grow towards the tumour.

With the blood supply in place the tumour is provided with oxygen and nutrients and so it grows.

Some tumour cells may break away and go into the bloodstream.

This is one way that cancer can spread.

Last reviewed

12 December 2014