What is Cancer? #43

• What is the common misconception about tumors and cancer?

  They are often thought to be the same.
• What defines 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.
• How do benign tumors differ from malignant tumors?

  Benign tumors stay in one area.
• What can malignant tumors cause in the body?

  Damage and potentially fatal conditions.
• What is a strong risk factor for lung cancer?

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

  Mouth, stomach, and cervical cancer.
• What health issue is obesity linked to?

  Multiple cancers including bowel cancer.
• How does ultraviolet light exposure relate to cancer?

  It is linked to skin cancer risk.
• What sources provide ultraviolet light exposure?

  The sun and sunbeds.
• What type of cancer is linked to alcohol consumption?

  Liver cancer.
• What can also influence cancer risk besides lifestyle choices?

  Inherited genes from parents.
• What are the BRCA genes associated with?

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

  • Benign tumors:
  • Contained in one area
  • Not normally dangerous
  • Malignant tumors:
  • Invade other tissues
  • Can spread and form secondary tumors
  • Considered cancerous and dangerous
• What are the main 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: BRCA genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer