Which characteristic is associated with the ability of cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body?

Prepare for the National Clinical Assessment Test. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The ability of cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body is fundamentally characterized by the process known as metastasis. This process allows cancer cells to detach from the primary tumor, invade surrounding tissues, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in distant organs or tissues. This characteristic is a hallmark of malignancy and is directly linked to the aggressive nature of cancer.

While loss of contact inhibition is indeed a feature of cancer cells, indicating their uncontrolled growth, it is not specifically about the ability to spread. Normal differentiation occurs in healthy cells; cancer cells often exhibit abnormal or less differentiated states, leading to more aggressive behavior and less structured growth patterns. Lastly, cancer cells can have varying lifespans, but many exhibit indefinite divisions due to mechanisms like telomerase activation, which supports endless proliferation but is not directly related to their metastatic capabilities. Thus, the specific ability to metastasize is the defining characteristic among the options provided.

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