Cell BiologyExam Focus
Exam Focus: How to Answer Cancer Questions
Part of Cancer and Cell Division Control — GCSE Biology
This exam focus covers Exam Focus: How to Answer Cancer Questions within Cancer and Cell Division Control for GCSE Biology. Cancer development, cell cycle control mechanisms, tumor formation, risk factors, prevention methods, and treatment approaches It is section 16 of 18 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 16 of 18
Practice
18 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Exam Focus: How to Answer Cancer Questions
Most common exam question format (4-6 marks):
"Explain how lifestyle factors increase the risk of cancer."
The required chain of reasoning — you MUST include all four steps:
- Risk factor: Name a specific lifestyle factor or carcinogen (e.g., UV radiation from sun exposure)
- DNA mutation: Explain that the carcinogen causes mutations in the DNA of skin cells
- Uncontrolled division: State that these mutations affect genes controlling the cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled mitosis
- Tumour formation: Explain that the rapidly dividing cells accumulate to form a tumour
For higher marks, also mention:
- Both lifestyle AND genetic factors can increase risk (examiner keyword: "genetic predisposition")
- The specific genes affected: oncogenes become overactive, tumour suppressor genes are inactivated
- If a malignant tumour forms, cancer cells can spread (metastasis) making treatment harder
Common mistakes that lose marks:
- Saying "carcinogens cause cancer" without explaining the mechanism (DNA mutation step)
- Confusing "benign" and "malignant" — always define both if you use either term
- Forgetting to mention uncontrolled cell division — this is the core biology