What is Cancer?

• What is cancer?

  A disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth
• Why do we need to understand tumors when discussing cancer?

  Because tumors and cancer are not the same
• What is a tumor?

  An abnormal mass of cells
• What causes a tumor to form?

  Uncontrolled growth and division of cells
• What are the two types of tumors?

  Benign tumors and malignant tumors
• Which type of tumor is considered cancer?

  Malignant tumors
• How are benign tumors characterized?

  They are contained within one area
• Why are malignant tumors more dangerous?

  They invade other tissues and spread
• What can malignant tumor cells do?

  Enter the bloodstream and spread
• What is a secondary tumor?

  A tumor formed from cells that spread
• 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 lifestyle factor is linked to bowel cancer?

  Obesity
• How does ultraviolet light exposure relate to cancer?

  It is linked to skin cancer
• What type of radiation from the sun can damage skin cells?

  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• What cancer is linked to drinking alcohol?

  Liver cancer
• What are genetic risk factors for cancer?

  Inherited genes that increase susceptibility
• Which genes are linked to breast and ovarian cancer?

  BRCA genes
• What resources does cognito.org provide for studying cancer?

  • Videos on cancer topics
  • Questions and flashcards
  • Exam style questions
  • Past papers
  • Progress tracking