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Flashcards · Biology · Non-communicable Diseases

Cancer

16 cards

  1. What is cancer?

    A disease caused by uncontrolled cell division.

  2. What causes cancer to start?

    Mutations in the genes that control cell division.

  3. What is a tumour?

    A lump of abnormal cells.

  4. What is a benign tumour?

    A tumour that stays in one place, and does not spread.

  5. What is a malignant tumour?

    A tumour that invades other tissues, and spreads.

  6. How do malignant cells spread?

    In the blood, to other parts of the body.

  7. What is a secondary tumour?

    A tumour formed in another part of the body by spread of cancer cells.

  8. Name two risk factors for cancer.

    Any two from: smoking, UV radiation, ionising radiation, some viruses, genes, obesity.

  9. Which cancer does UV radiation cause?

    Skin cancer.

  10. Which virus can cause cervical cancer?

    HPV, human papilloma virus.

  11. What is a carcinogen?

    Something that causes cancer.

  12. Why are cancers more common in older people?

    A number of mutations are needed, which takes time.

  13. What is a biopsy?

    A small sample of a tumour, which is examined for cancer cells.

  14. Name three treatments for cancer.

    Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

  15. Why does chemotherapy cause side effects?

    It kills healthy cells that divide quickly, as well as cancer cells.

  16. Common mistake about tumours?

    Saying that all tumours are cancer. Benign tumours are not cancer.