Cancer

• Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled cell growth and division of abnormal cells.
• Uncontrolled growth and division is a result of changes that occur to the cells and results in the formation of a tumour.
• Benign tumours:

  • tumours grow until there is no more room
  • the tumour stays in one place instead of invading other tissues
  • usually is not dangerous or cancerous
• Malignant tumour:

  • the tumour grows and spreads to neighbouring healthy tissues
  • cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body by travelling in the blood stream
  • can invade healthy tissues and form secondary tumours
  • are dangerous and can be fatal