Cancer is a non-communicable disease characterised by uncontrolled cell division...
Biology351 views·Updated 10 Jul 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Cancer: Causes, Tumor Types, and Risk Factors
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Tumininu@tumininu
1
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Understanding Cancer
Cancer develops when cells divide uncontrollably due to mutations in genes that regulate cell division. This abnormal growth forms a mass called a tumour. Unlike other diseases, cancer cannot be passed from one person to another.
Common types include breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer, though there are many more. Not all tumours pose the same risk to your health—they fall into two important categories.
Malignant tumours are cancerous and particularly dangerous. They aren't usually encapsulated (contained within a membrane) and can break off and travel through the bloodstream to create new tumours elsewhere in the body—a process called metastasis.
Did you know? Benign tumours aren't cancerous and typically remain encapsulated, making them less dangerous than malignant ones. They don't invade other tissues and organs in the way that malignant tumours do.
2
of 2
Cancer Risk Factors
Your lifestyle choices significantly influence your cancer risk. Smoking introduces tar into your body, which damages cell DNA and can trigger uncontrolled cell division in the lungs, mouth, and other organs.
Environmental factors matter too. Exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) like asbestos or radiation such as UV rays can penetrate skin cells and damage DNA, potentially leading to tumour development.
Your weight also plays a role. Being overweight or obese increases cancer risk, particularly for breast cancer. Fat cells release oestrogen, a hormone that can accelerate the growth of certain cancer cells.
Important to remember: Some cancer risks are inherited. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help control cell division, and mutations in these genes can be passed from parents to children, significantly increasing the risk of developing certain cancers.
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Biology351 views·Updated 10 Jul 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Cancer: Causes, Tumor Types, and Risk Factors
T
Tumininu@tumininu
Cancer is a non-communicable disease characterised by uncontrolled cell division that forms tumours. This condition occurs when genes controlling cell division mutate, leading to abnormal growth that can potentially spread throughout the body.
1
of 2
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Understanding Cancer
Cancer develops when cells divide uncontrollably due to mutations in genes that regulate cell division. This abnormal growth forms a mass called a tumour. Unlike other diseases, cancer cannot be passed from one person to another.
Common types include breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer, though there are many more. Not all tumours pose the same risk to your health—they fall into two important categories.
Malignant tumours are cancerous and particularly dangerous. They aren't usually encapsulated (contained within a membrane) and can break off and travel through the bloodstream to create new tumours elsewhere in the body—a process called metastasis.
Did you know? Benign tumours aren't cancerous and typically remain encapsulated, making them less dangerous than malignant ones. They don't invade other tissues and organs in the way that malignant tumours do.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Cancer Risk Factors
Your lifestyle choices significantly influence your cancer risk. Smoking introduces tar into your body, which damages cell DNA and can trigger uncontrolled cell division in the lungs, mouth, and other organs.
Environmental factors matter too. Exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) like asbestos or radiation such as UV rays can penetrate skin cells and damage DNA, potentially leading to tumour development.
Your weight also plays a role. Being overweight or obese increases cancer risk, particularly for breast cancer. Fat cells release oestrogen, a hormone that can accelerate the growth of certain cancer cells.
Important to remember: Some cancer risks are inherited. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help control cell division, and mutations in these genes can be passed from parents to children, significantly increasing the risk of developing certain cancers.
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