Cancer

• What causes cancer?

  Changes in a cell that cause abnormal or uncontrolled cell growth and division
• What can uncontrolled cell growth and division lead to?

  It can lead to the formation of tumors
• What are the characteristics of benign tumors?

  • Located in one area of the body
  • Do not spread
  • Can put pressure on other organs, damaging them
• What are the characteristics of malignant tumors?

  • Small parts can break off and spread in the blood
  • Can cause secondary tumors elsewhere in the body
• How does radiotherapy treat cancer?

  It uses radiation to kill cancer cells
• What is a downside of radiotherapy?

  It can harm healthy cells too
• How does chemotherapy treat cancer?

  It uses chemicals to halt mitosis in rapidly dividing cells
• What are some side effects of chemotherapy?

  It has lots of side effects and variable success
• What lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cancer?

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • UV rays
  • Viruses
• What is an example of a genetic factor that can increase cancer risk?

  Breast cancer