All questions · The first few days

Why doesn't my body remove cancer naturally?

It does try. Your immune system finds and clears damaged cells all the time, mostly without you ever knowing.

Cancer cells find ways to hide from it, or grow faster than it can keep up with. Some newer treatments work by giving your immune system the help it needs.

Written by two physicians. Checked against patient information from the US National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

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Content last updated 25 September 2026 · How we write these cards · Report a problem with this card

These cards are for learning. They are not medical advice and do not replace talking with your own doctor.