Cancer

Cancer

Cancer is the result of uncontrolled growth and division in cells.
Benign tumours are not cancers; they are growths of abnormal cells that are contained in one area, usually within a membrane, but do not invade other parts of the body.
Malignant tumours are cancers: they invade neighbouring tissues and spread to different parts of the body in the blood where they form secondary tumours (by metastasis).
Signs of cancer include tumorous lumps, a long-term cough and unexplained bleeding or weight loss
Different cancers have different risk factors, but common factors include smoking and alcohol, obesity, age, infections (e.g. hepatitis, HPV), ionising radiation (e.g. UV from the sun), environmental pollutants from industry, and genetic disorders.
Cancer can be screened (e.g. blood tests and X-ray images).
Cancer may be treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, this can kill healthy cells too, with side effects including sickness and hair loss.

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