Cancer

• Sometimes, changes take place in genes that leads to uncontrolled growth and mitosis, resulting in the growth of a tumour.
• Benign tumours are growth of abnormal cells found in one area. They do not invade other parts, are found in a membrane and stay in one place.
• Malignant cells invade neighbouring tissues and move into the bloodstream. These cells are classed as a cancer, and once entering the bloodstream they can spread to other parts of the body, forming new tumours. The new tumours are called secondary tumours.
• Risk factors for cancer can be linked to:

  • Genetics (inherited increased risk)
  • Lifestyle (eg smoking, UV lights, alcohol)
  • Exposure to Radon
• Radon is a radioactive gas which increases your risk of developing lung cancer because it releases ionising radiation, damaging the DNA in our cells. This causes cells to undergo uncontrolled cell division, leading to cancer.