A normal part of a cells life is death. It is so normal that cells have programs within their DNA specific to when it is time to die. This is referred to as apoptosis, or programmed cell death.
One of the components to cancer, along with uncontrolled growth, is the ability to resist dying. These are signals within (intrinsically) and outside (extrinsically) of the cell that, while working, tell the cell to die. But when mutated, these signals no longer can relay this message. Here are some of the mechanisms.
Intrinsically Resisting Cell Death
Bax and Bak. These two proteins are associated with the mitochondria, which is inside of the cell and known as “the powerhouse”. When Bax and Bak are activated, they disrupt the mitochondria, thus disrupting the cells ability to generate energy.
Bcl-2 and BclXL. These proteins bind to Bax and Bak preventing their function. Therefore, when Bcl-2 and BclXL are activated, Bax and Bak cannot cause the cell to die, and the cell resists cell death.
IAPs. Or inhibitors of apoptosis. These molecules stop apoptosis from occurring and are within the cell.
Extrinsically Resisting Cell Death
Fas receptor and ligand. Fas receptors are located on the surface of cells and bind a molecule called a ligand. Ligand is a term for any molecule that binds a receptor. Once the Fas receptor has been bound, it tells the cell to go through apoptosis. But, if the receptor is changed and can no longer bind the ligand, then the cell cannot die via this pathway.
Sources: “Death Becomes Us” by Michele M. Cox
https://education.onehowto.com/article/what-is-cell-apoptosis-8696.html
Topics in Cancer Biology 