Cancer

• What is cancer caused by?

  Uncontrolled cell growth and division
• What results from the uncontrolled growth and division of cells?


  Formation of a tumour
• Are all tumours cancerous?


  No, tumours can be benign or malignant
• What are the characteristics of benign tumours?


  • Grows until there's no more room
  • Stays in one place (usually within a membrane)
  • Normally not dangerous and not cancerous
• What are the characteristics of malignant tumours?


  • Grows and spreads to neighbouring healthy tissues
  • Cells can break off and spread via the bloodstream
  • Invades healthy tissues and forms secondary tumours
  • Dangerous and can be fatal
• What can increase the chance of developing cancer?

  Risk factors
• Does having risk factors guarantee that someone will develop cancer?


  No, it just increases the risk
• What has contributed to increased cancer survival rates?


  Medical advances such as improved treatment and early diagnosis
• What are some lifestyle risk factors associated with cancer?

  1. Smoking
  2. Obesity
  3. UV exposure
  4. Viral infection
• How is smoking related to cancer?


  It is linked to lung cancer and other types like mouth and bowel cancer
• What is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking?

  Obesity
• How does UV exposure increase cancer risk?


  It increases the chance of developing skin cancer
• Who is at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to UV exposure?


  People in sunny climates and those who spend a lot of time outside
• How can viral infections increase cancer risk?


  Some viruses can increase the chances of developing certain types of cancer
• Which viruses are linked to an increased risk of liver cancer?

  Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses
• How can lifestyle affect the likelihood of viral infections that increase cancer risk?


  Lifestyle choices like unprotected sex or sharing needles can spread these viruses
• How can genetics be a risk factor for cancer?


  Inherited faulty genes can make someone more susceptible to cancer
• Which genes are linked to an increased likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer?

  BRCA genes