Which of the following best describes cancer?

The description of cancer as "uncontrolled cell growth" is accurate because cancer arises when normal regulatory mechanisms that control cell proliferation fail. This dysregulation leads to cells dividing and growing in an unchecked manner, resulting in the formation of tumors and potentially spreading to other parts of the body. This uncontrolled growth is central to the mechanism of cancer, distinguishing it from other diseases that may have a more direct or manageable cause.

Other options fail to encapsulate the complexity of cancer. While some cancers can respond positively to medications, there is no universal cure for all cancer types, making the notion of it being solely a disease treatable with drugs misleading. Describing cancer as a genetic disorder only is also incomplete, as not all cancers are inherited; many arise due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices that influence genetic mutations. Lastly, while some cancers can be related to viral infections (e.g., certain types caused by HPV or hepatitis viruses), characterizing cancer overall as a viral infection doesn't represent the broader spectrum of causes and types of cancer that exist. Thus, "uncontrolled cell growth" succinctly captures the essence of cancer as a disease.