The National Institutes of Health (NIH) predicts that by 2025, nearly 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. Among these cases, breast, lung and bronchus, prostate, and colorectal cancers will account for almost half of all new diagnoses. At the same time, lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are expected to be responsible for nearly 50% of cancer-related deaths.
According to Dr. Paulien Moyaert, it’s often not the cancer itself that kills, but the dangerous side effects it triggers within the body.
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On her YouTube channel, Dr. Moyaert shared a striking 3D simulation that illustrates the different stages of cancer and how they can ultimately lead to death. The four-minute video has already captured the attention of millions, with over 6.6 million views.
How Cancer Becomes Fatal
The simulation begins by explaining metastatic cancer, the most lethal form. This occurs when a single cancer cell breaks away, travels to another part of the body, and forms new tumors. These growths can overwhelm vital organs, eventually shutting them down.
- Digestive system cancers: Tumors can block food absorption or prevent waste from passing, sometimes leading to dangerous perforations that require emergency surgery.
- Pancreatic cancer: Tumors in the pancreatic ducts may cause the pancreas to “digest itself,” making it one of the most painful and deadly cancers.
- Lung cancer: Patients risk dying from asphyxiation when tumors prevent enough oxygen from circulating through the body.
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Infections and Blood Complications
Another common cause of death in cancer patients is infection. Cancer weakens the immune system, while treatments like chemotherapy further suppress bone marrow, where protective white blood cells are produced.
When bone marrow is infiltrated by cancer cells, the body can no longer produce enough blood cells. This leads to:
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Reduced white blood cells, leaving patients vulnerable to infections
- Low platelet levels, increasing the risk of uncontrolled bleeding
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Cachexia and Pain Management
Around half of all cancer patients also experience cachexia, a severe condition that causes extreme muscle and weight loss.
Despite these devastating effects, Dr. Moyaert emphasizes that no patient should suffer in pain. Treatments such as morphine and opiates are available to provide relief in advanced stages of the disease.
👉 Share this article with your loved ones to raise awareness about how cancer affects the body and why early detection and supportive care are so critical.
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