Cancer

• What is the common misconception about tumors and cancer?

  They are often thought to be the same.
• What is a tumor?

  An abnormal mass of cells from uncontrolled growth.
• What are the two types of tumors?

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

  They invade other tissues and spread.
• What characterizes a benign tumor?

  It stays in one area, usually contained.
• What is the danger of malignant tumors?

  They can cause damage and be fatal.
• What are the risk factors for developing cancer?

  • Smoking (linked to lung, mouth, stomach, cervical cancers)
  • Obesity (linked to bowel, liver, kidney cancers)
  • Ultraviolet light exposure (linked to skin cancer)
  • Alcohol consumption (linked to liver cancer)
  • Genetic factors (e.g., BRCA genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer)
• Which cancer is strongly linked to smoking?

  Lung cancer
• How does ultraviolet light exposure relate to cancer?

  It can damage skin cells, leading to skin cancer.
• What cancers are linked to obesity?

  Bowel, liver, and kidney cancers.
• What is the link between alcohol and cancer?

  Increased risk of liver cancer.
• What are BRCA genes associated with?

  Breast and ovarian cancer risk.
• What is the role of genetics in cancer risk?

  Inherited genes can increase susceptibility.
• What are the differences between benign and malignant tumors?

  • Benign tumors:
  • Stay in one area
  • Not usually dangerous
  • Malignant tumors:
  • Invade other tissues
  • Can spread and cause damage