Which of the following statements is true about cancer spread?

The statement that cancer spread can occur to distant organs is accurate. This process is known as metastasis, which is a hallmark of cancer. When cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, they can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to establish new tumors in other parts of the body. This ability to invade other tissues and organs is what distinguishes malignant tumors from benign ones. Understanding metastasis is crucial for determining the prognosis and treatment plans for cancer patients, as the presence of metastatic disease often indicates an advanced stage of cancer requiring more aggressive intervention.

The other statements incorrectly represent the nature of cancer. The idea that cancer is always localized overlooks the critical aspect of its potential to spread. As for the claim that it only happens at the original site, it ignores the possibility of metastasis entirely. Lastly, describing cancer spread as a rare phenomenon significantly downplays the reality of how frequently metastasis occurs, especially in various cancer types. Therefore, the statement regarding the ability of cancer to spread to distant organs provides a comprehensive understanding of the disease's behavior and its implications for patient care.