Cancer
Cell division by mitosis happens throughout the body. This normally occurs due to growth or
because the body needs new cells to replace old or damaged cells. Genes in the nucleus tell cells
when to start dividing and when to stop.
Cancer is a disease caused by changes in genes, which causes normal cells to change so that
they grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a lump of cells,
called a tumour, to form.
When a cell becomes cancerous, it begins to divide uncontrollably. New cells are produced even
though the body does not need them.
The extra cells produced form growths called tumours. Most tumours are solid, but cancers of
the blood, for example, leukaemia, are an exception.
Types of Tumours
There are two types of tumours:
1. Benign
2. Malignant
Benign tumours typically grow within a membrane, so they can be easily removed. They do not
invade other parts of the body and tend to grow slowly.
Benign tumours are not cancerous.
Malignant tumours grow rapidly. They invade neighbouring tissues and can spread to other
parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Malignant cells are classified as cancer cells
As a malignant tumour grows and spreads, it can form smaller tumours, which are called
secondary tumours. This process is known as metastasis.
Risk Factors
We can inherit an increased risk of getting certain cancers, such as:
Breast cancer
Colon cancer
Prostate cancer
Carcinogens are substances that are capable of causing cancer. They can occur naturally in the
environment (e.g. Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight). However, carcinogens can also be produced
by humans, such as the exhaust fumes released by vehicles.
Some cancers are caused by lifestyle choices. For example:
Carcinogens in cigarettes increase the risk of lung cancer
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is linked to skin cancer
Alcohol consumption is linked to certain cancers