Cancer and Uncontrolled Cell Division Flashcards

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What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease where cells divide in an uncontrolled way and can form tumours.

What normally controls when body cells divide?

Genes in the cell control when cells start and stop dividing.

How can a mutation in DNA lead to cancer?

A mutation can damage genes that control cell division, so the cell may divide too fast and become cancerous.

What is a tumour?

A tumour is a lump or mass made of cells that have divided too many times.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumours?

Benign tumours stay in one place and do not spread. Malignant tumours can spread and are cancerous.

How can malignant cancer cells spread around the body?

Cells can break off the tumour, travel in the blood or lymph, and start new tumours in other parts of the body.

What is a carcinogen?

A carcinogen is a substance that increases the risk of cancer, such as chemicals in tobacco smoke or ionising radiation.

Name two lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of some cancers.

Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, having a high-fat low-fibre diet, or spending a lot of time in strong sunlight can increase risk.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them dividing.

Why can chemotherapy and radiotherapy cause side effects?

They also damage some healthy cells that divide quickly, such as hair root cells and cells in the gut.