What is Cancer? 'Benign' and 'Malignant' Tumours Explained

• What is the common misconception about tumors and cancer?


  Many people think tumors and cancer are the same thing.
• What is a tumor?


  A tumor is an abnormal mass of cells formed by uncontrolled growth and division.
• What are the two types of tumors?

  Benign and malignant tumors.
• Why are malignant tumors considered cancer?


  Because they invade other tissues and can spread to form new secondary tumors.
• How do benign tumors differ from malignant tumors?


  Benign tumors are contained within one area and are not normally dangerous.
• What can the spread of malignant tumors cause?


  It can cause a lot of damage to the body and be potentially fatal.
• What is a strong risk factor for developing lung cancer?


  Smoking.
• Besides lung cancer, what other cancers are linked to smoking?


  Smoking is linked to mouth, stomach, and cervical cancer.
• What health condition is obesity linked to?


  Obesity is linked to bowel, liver, and kidney cancer.
• How does ultraviolet light exposure relate to cancer?


  It is strongly linked to skin cancer due to UV radiation damaging skin cells.
• What lifestyle choice is linked to an increased risk of liver cancer?


  Drinking alcohol.
• What genetic factors can increase susceptibility to certain cancers?


  Inherited genes, such as the BRCA genes, can increase susceptibility.
• Which cancers are linked to the BRCA genes?


  Breast and ovarian cancer.
• What are the key differences between benign and malignant tumors?


  • Benign tumors:
  • Contained within one area
  • Not normally dangerous
  • Malignant tumors:
  • Can invade other tissues
  • Spread to form secondary tumors
  • Considered cancerous
• What are the main risk factors for developing cancer?

  • Smoking: linked to lung, mouth, stomach, and cervical cancer
  • Obesity: linked to bowel, liver, and kidney cancer
  • Ultraviolet light exposure: linked to skin cancer
  • Alcohol consumption: linked to liver cancer
  • Genetic factors: BRCA genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer