B2- Cancer

• What is the main cause of cancer?

  Uncontrolled cell growth and division
• What are the two types of tumors associated with cancer?

  • Benign: non-dangerous, stays in one place
  • Malignant: dangerous, invades other tissues and spreads
• How does a benign tumor behave?

  A benign tumor grows until there's no more room and stays in one place
• What characterizes a malignant tumor?

  A malignant tumor grows and spreads to neighboring healthy tissues
• What can malignant cells do once they break off?

  They can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream
• What are secondary tumors?

  Secondary tumors are formed when malignant cells invade healthy tissues elsewhere in the body
• What do risk factors indicate regarding cancer?

  Risk factors indicate an increased chance of developing cancer, but do not guarantee it
• How have cancer survival rates changed over time?

  Cancer survival rates have increased due to medical advances
• What are some lifestyle risk factors for cancer?

  1. Smoking: linked to lung and other cancers
  2. Obesity: linked to bowel, liver, and kidney cancers
  3. UV exposure: increases risk of skin cancer
  4. Viral infection: certain viruses increase cancer risk
• How is smoking related to cancer?

  Smoking is linked to lung cancer and other types of cancer
• What is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer?

  Obesity
• How does UV exposure affect cancer risk?

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

  People who live in sunny climates and 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
• What is an example of a virus that increases liver cancer risk?

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

  • Unprotected sex can spread viruses
  • Sharing needles can lead to infections
• How can genetics influence cancer risk?

  Faulty genes can be inherited, increasing susceptibility to cancer
• What mutations are linked to breast and ovarian cancer?

  Mutations in the BRCA genes