Cancer can spread to nearby organs through a process known as local invasion. This occurs when cancer cells grow and invade the surrounding tissues. The ability of cancer cells to invade nearby organs depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the location of the primary tumor. For example, a tumor in the lung may invade the chest wall or diaphragm, while a tumor in the colon may extend into nearby organs such as the liver or bladder.