Cancer cells exhibit several key characteristics: abnormal nuclei, increased vascularization to supply nutrients, disorganized and uncontrolled growth (anaplasia), and a lack of contact inhibition allowing unchecked growth. Carcinogenesis, or the development of cancer, occurs in stages - beginning with anaplasia, then tumor development, vascularization, and potentially metastasis where cancer cells spread to other sites. Oncogenes can develop from proto-oncogenes due to mutations from initiators like toxins or viruses, and promoters further stimulate abnormal cell growth. Viruses may incorporate oncogenes into host cell DNA, disrupting genes and potentially causing cancer.