Cancer
Cancer is uncontrolled cell division.
About this topic
Cancer arises when mutations in genes controlling the cell cycle cause cells to divide uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Benign tumours stay in place; malignant ones invade neighbouring tissue and spread (metastasis) through blood or lymph. Proto-oncogenes mutate into oncogenes, and tumour suppressor genes lose function.
Normally cells divide with checkpoints and die when damaged. Several mutations are needed in one cell lineage, which is why cancer is more common with age. Carcinogens, such as tobacco tar, UV radiation, ionising radiation and some viruses, increase the mutation rate. Some people inherit gene variants, like BRCA1, that raise risk.
A skin cancer example shows the process: UV light damages DNA in skin cells, a mutation disables a suppressor gene, and the cell divides repeatedly into a tumour. Early detection through screening, such as mammograms and smear tests, greatly improves survival.
Treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which attack rapidly dividing cells, causing side effects such as hair loss. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy are promising. Remember that cancer is not contagious and not one disease but hundreds. Sun cream, not smoking, and healthy living reduce the risk.
Key ideas
- Mutations in cell cycle genes
- Tumours benign or malignant
- Treatments: surgery, radiation, chemo
Quick check
Use cases: where Cancer helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Cancer before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Cancer without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Cancer changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Cancer in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Biology underpins medicine, farming, conservation and biotechnology.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cancer?
Cancer is uncontrolled cell division.
What will I learn in Cancer?
Mutations in cell cycle genes. Tumours benign or malignant. Treatments: surgery, radiation, chemo.
Is Cancer part of Biology?
Yes. It is one of 150 Biology topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Cancer lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Cancer?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.