cancer

• Sometimes, changes take place in these genes and that leads to uncontrolled growth and mitosis. This produces a tumour.
• Benign tumours are growths of abnormal cells which are found in one area.
• Benign tumours are usually contained within a membrane.

  
• Benign tumours do not invade other parts of the body. They stay in one place.
• Malignant cells invade neighbouring tissues and move into the bloodstream.

  
• Malignant tumours are classed as a cancer
• Once in the bloodstream, the malignant cells spread to different parts of the body and they form new tumours. Scientists call these new tumours secondary tumours.
• Some cancers link to genetics:

  • certain types of breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Cancer of the large intestine
• Some cancers are linked to lifestyle:

  • smoking: lung cancer
  • Ultraviolet light: skin cancer
  • Alcohol: mouth and throat cancer
• Radon is a radioactive gas which increases your risk of developing lung cancer
• Radon releases ionising radiation which damages the DNA in our cells. This can cause or cells to undergo uncontrolled cell division, leading to cancer.