#steemitschool - Cancer (biology)

Welcome

Hello and welcome to another #steemitschool blog. Today we'll be learning about Cancer. I hope this blog helps you understand the basics of Cancer as it is something that affects so many people around the world today. 

Let's begin...

What causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by cell growth and cell division that is not controlled. This comes as a result of the changes happening within the cells. Uncontrolled cell division/growth can lead to the development of a tumour (large congregation of cells). 

The two basic types of tumours - Benign and Malignant.

(Credit:https://www.slideshare.net/liezlejoyg/characteristics-of-benign-and-malignant-neoplasms)

Benign

This type of tumour generally isn't hazardous or cancerous. Here, the tumour grows until there is no room left for it to do so. 

This sort of tumour stays in one particular space (normally in a membrane) rather than taking over other tissues within the body. 

Malignant

This type of tumour is dangerous and can result in death. They are cancerous. 

Malignant tumours has the ability to grow and spread to various areas of the body through its cells being transported in the bloodstream. 

This allows healthy tissues to be invaded and for secondary tumours to be formed. 

What risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cancer?

The majority of risk factors are related to people's lifestyle. Here are a few examples:

Obesity 

(Credit: Youtube - Ameer c)

Can cause liver, kidney and bowel cancer. 

2nd largest cancer factor that could be prevented. (The 1st is smoking)

Smoking

(Credit: http://blog.kerrygaynormethod.com/3-of-the-most-common-excuses-for-smoking-debunked/)

Associated with: bowel,mouth,stomach,cervical and lung cancer.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation

(Credit:http://www.stmary.ws/HighSchool/Physics/uv_1.htm)

Increase in potentially getting Skin Cancer. 

Increase chance of obtaining Skin Cancer if you: live in a sunny country, use sunbeds often or spend a lot of time outside.

Viral infection

(Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/51438986@N07/5018792385)

E.g the viruses hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can cause the chance of developing skin cancer to increase.

The probability of catching a virus is dependant on the lifestyle you live. For example, viruses have the tendency to spread through activities such as unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles. 

Thanks for reading!

 All of the information provided for this blog has been taken from that of a Biology AQA textbook. 

Wishing you all a happy new year and the very best wishes for 2018,

Jonathan.