B2- Cancer Flashcards
What is cancer caused by?
Uncontrolled cell growth and division
This uncontrolled growth results from changes to the cells.
What type of tumor is benign?
A tumor that grows until there’s no more room and stays in one place
Benign tumors are not cancerous and are usually not dangerous.
What characterizes a malignant tumor?
It grows and spreads to neighboring healthy tissues
Malignant tumors can invade healthy tissues and form secondary tumors.
True or False: All tumors are cancerous.
False
Tumors can be benign or malignant.
What does having risk factors for cancer imply?
Increased risk of developing the disease
It does not guarantee that a person will develop cancer.
What has led to increased cancer survival rates?
Medical advances such as improved treatment and earlier diagnosis
Increased screening for the disease has also contributed.
What lifestyle factor is strongly linked to lung cancer?
Smoking
Smoking is also linked to other types of cancer, including mouth and cervical cancer.
What is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking?
Obesity
Obesity is linked to many cancers, including bowel and kidney cancer.
Fill in the blank: People who are often exposed to _______ have an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
UV radiation
This includes people living in sunny climates and those who use sun beds.
How can viral infections increase cancer risk?
Some viruses increase the chances of developing certain types of cancer
For example, hepatitis B and C can increase the risk of liver cancer.
What genetic factor can increase susceptibility to cancer?
Faulty genes
Mutations in the BRCA genes are linked to breast and ovarian cancer.
Fill in the blank: The likelihood of becoming infected with certain viruses can depend on lifestyle factors such as _______.
Unprotected sex or sharing needles
These behaviors can facilitate the spread of infections like hepatitis.
