Cell BiologyExam Tips
Exam Tips: Cancer Questions
Part of Cancer and Cell Division Control — GCSE Biology
This exam tips covers Exam Tips: 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 17 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 17 of 18
Practice
18 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
📝 Exam Tips: Cancer Questions
Question Types
- Explanation: Link cancer to normal cell division control — use process words ("leads to," "results in," "causes")
- Comparison: Benign vs malignant — focus on spreading ability. Use "whereas," "in contrast," "unlike"
- Treatment: Explain mechanisms at the cellular level, discuss selectivity and side effects
Command Words
- Explain: Give reasons why cancer develops or spreads
- Compare: Similarities AND differences between tumour types
- Evaluate: Assess effectiveness of different treatments — include limitations
Common Mistakes
- Not naming the specific gene types (oncogenes, tumour suppressors) when asked
- Saying "cancer cells spread" without explaining HOW (through blood/lymph to form secondary tumours)
- Forgetting to explain WHY chemotherapy causes side effects (it targets all rapidly dividing cells, not just cancer)