Cancer and carcinogens

• What is health defined as in the study material?

  Health is the state of physical and mental well-being.
• How do factors affect physical and mental health?

  Factors work together and affect physical and mental health.
• What is a disease?

  A disease is a disorder that affects an organism's body, organs, tissues, or cells.
• What are the different types of diseases mentioned in the study material?

  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Cancer and carcinogens
• What is the process by which cancer cells grow and divide?

  Cancer cells grow and divide by mitosis.
• When do normal cells divide?

  Normal cells divide when we need new ones, such as during growth or to replace old or damaged cells.
• What happens when a cell becomes cancerous?

  It begins to grow and divide uncontrollably, producing new cells even if the body does not need them.
• What is a tumour?

  A tumour is a lump caused by the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells.
• What are the two types of tumours?

  • Benign: Slow-growing, non-invasive, not cancerous.
  • Malignant: Fast-growing, invasive, cancerous, can spread.
• What are the characteristics of benign tumours?

  Benign tumours grow slowly, usually grow within a membrane, and do not invade other parts of the body.
• What are the characteristics of malignant tumours?

  Malignant tumours grow quickly, invade neighbouring tissues, and can spread to other parts of the body.
• What is metastasis?

  Metastasis is the process where cancer cells detach and form secondary tumours in other parts of the body.
• What is the state of cancer cells in terms of differentiation?

  Cancer cells are undifferentiated and do not carry out their normal function.
• What are carcinogens?

  Carcinogens are chemicals or other agents that can cause cancer.
• How do carcinogens cause cancer?

  Carcinogens cause cancer by damaging DNA and causing mutations.
• How many mutations are typically required to cause cancer?

  Several mutations are required to cause cancer.
• What is a risk factor?

  A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease.
• What are some lifestyle risk factors for cancer?

  • Viruses linked with cancer (e.g., HPV)
  • Chemical carcinogens in cigarette smoke
  • Alcohol intake
  • Ultraviolet radiation exposure
  • Diet (fat and salt intake)
• How does exposure to ionising radiation affect cancer risk?

  Exposure to ionising radiation increases the risk of developing cancer.
• What are genetic risk factors for cancer?

  Genetic risk factors are inherited traits that increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers.