Cancer is a non-communicable disease characterised by uncontrolled cell division...
Biology351 views·Updated 28 Aug 2026·2 pagesUnderstanding Cancer: Causes, Tumor Types, and Risk Factors
T
Tumininu@tumininu
1
of 2
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.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Combined ScienceMost popular content: Cancer
1Most popular content in Biology
9BiologyA-Level Biology Year 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.
1215,209704
BiologyAQA Biology: Key Concepts
Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.
109,201316
Biologybiology paper 1
all notes
112,61638
BiologyBiology Paper 1 Overview
Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.
1115,459390
BiologyA-Level Biology Year 2 Overview
Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in AQA A-Level Biology Year 2, including neuronal communication, genetic modification, nutrient cycles, and hormonal control. This resource is designed to aid understanding of complex topics such as action potentials, photosynthesis, and speciation. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.
126,021309
BiologyBiology paper 1 foundation & higher
Pages from the revision guide summarised in a set of words and a brief explanation
111,45518
BiologyKS3 Biology
KS3 Biology revision document.
762468
BiologyGCSE Biology Paper 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of key concepts in GCSE AQA Biology Paper 1, covering topics such as cell structure, photosynthesis, respiration, disease biology, antibiotic resistance, and transport systems. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.
1164,2844,274
BiologyBiology paper 1 Summary
Notes for Biology paper 1 contains the full course for AQA higher combined!
114,211108
Most popular content
9
SociologySociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
1274,0802,307
SociologySociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
12103,2273,044
BiologyA-Level Biology Year 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.
1215,209704
BiologyAQA Biology: Key Concepts
Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.
109,201316
MathsComprehensive Maths Concepts
Explore essential mathematical concepts including powers, geometry, statistics, and probability. This resource features 65 pages of detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples to enhance your understanding of topics such as right triangles, volume calculations, and data representation. Ideal for students seeking to strengthen their numeracy skills and grasp complex mathematical principles.
1180,3576,327
PhysicsPhysics paper 2 notes
physics aqa gcse paper 2 combined higher notes
111,27110
Biologybiology paper 1
all notes
112,61638
English LanguageLanguage Paper 1 Strategies
Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.
1128,765902
Chemistrychem paper 1
higher
112,27946
Students love us, and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user
Biology351 views·Updated 28 Aug 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
Sign 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
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.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Cancer
1Most popular content in Biology
9BiologyA-Level Biology Year 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.
1215,209704
BiologyAQA Biology: Key Concepts
Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.
109,201316
Biologybiology paper 1
all notes
112,61638
BiologyBiology Paper 1 Overview
Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.
1115,459390
BiologyA-Level Biology Year 2 Overview
Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in AQA A-Level Biology Year 2, including neuronal communication, genetic modification, nutrient cycles, and hormonal control. This resource is designed to aid understanding of complex topics such as action potentials, photosynthesis, and speciation. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.
126,021309
BiologyBiology paper 1 foundation & higher
Pages from the revision guide summarised in a set of words and a brief explanation
111,45518
BiologyKS3 Biology
KS3 Biology revision document.
762468
BiologyGCSE Biology Paper 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of key concepts in GCSE AQA Biology Paper 1, covering topics such as cell structure, photosynthesis, respiration, disease biology, antibiotic resistance, and transport systems. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.
1164,2844,274
BiologyBiology paper 1 Summary
Notes for Biology paper 1 contains the full course for AQA higher combined!
114,211108
Most popular content
9SociologySociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
1274,0802,307
SociologySociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
12103,2273,044
BiologyA-Level Biology Year 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.
1215,209704
BiologyAQA Biology: Key Concepts
Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.
109,201316
MathsComprehensive Maths Concepts
Explore essential mathematical concepts including powers, geometry, statistics, and probability. This resource features 65 pages of detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples to enhance your understanding of topics such as right triangles, volume calculations, and data representation. Ideal for students seeking to strengthen their numeracy skills and grasp complex mathematical principles.
1180,3576,327
PhysicsPhysics paper 2 notes
physics aqa gcse paper 2 combined higher notes
111,27110
Biologybiology paper 1
all notes
112,61638
English LanguageLanguage Paper 1 Strategies
Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.
1128,765902
Chemistrychem paper 1
higher
112,27946
Students love us, and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user