(Bio) Cancer

What is a tumour?

A mass of cells produced by uncontrolled growth and cell division

What causes uncontrolled cell division leading to a tumour?

Changes in the genes in the nucleus that normally control when cells divide and stop dividing

What is a benign tumour?

A growth of abnormal cells contained in one area that does not invade other parts of the body

What is a malignant tumour?

A tumour whose cells invade neighbouring tissues and spread into the bloodstream to form new tumours elsewhere in the body

What are malignant tumour cells classed as?

Cancer

What are secondary tumours?

New tumours formed when malignant cells spread via the bloodstream to different parts of the body

Give an example of a genetic risk factor for cancer?

Certain types of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and cancer of the large intestine can be inherited

Give three lifestyle risk factors for cancer?

Smoking (lung cancer). exposure to ultraviolet light such as sunbathing (skin cancer), and drinking alcohol (mouth and throat cancer)

What is radon and why is it a risk factor for cancer?

Radon is a radioactive gas found in the environment that releases ionising radiation