Cell BiologyKey Facts

Risk Factors for Cancer

Part of Cancer and Cell Division ControlGCSE Biology

This key facts covers Risk Factors for Cancer 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 12 of 18 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 12 of 18

Practice

18 questions

Recall

22 flashcards

Risk Factors for Cancer

Environmental Carcinogens

  • Tobacco smoke: Contains over 70 known carcinogens
  • UV radiation: From sun exposure, causes skin cancer
  • Ionizing radiation: X-rays, nuclear radiation
  • Chemical exposures: Asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde
  • Infectious agents: Some viruses, bacteria, parasites

Lifestyle Factors

  • Diet: High-fat, low-fiber diets increase risk
  • Alcohol: Increases risk of liver, breast, and other cancers
  • Physical inactivity: Linked to increased cancer risk
  • Obesity: Associated with multiple cancer types

Genetic Factors

  • Inherited mutations: BRCA1/BRCA2 for breast cancer
  • Family history: Increased risk if relatives affected
  • Age: Cancer risk increases with age

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Cancer and Cell Division Control. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Cancer and Cell Division Control

In a healthy cell, cell division is controlled by:

  • A. Genes in the nucleus
  • B. Mitochondria releasing energy
  • C. The cell membrane thickness
  • D. Ribosomes making proteins
1 markfoundation

Explain the difference between benign and malignant tumors.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Name three environmental carcinogens.
Tobacco smoke, UV radiation from sunlight, and asbestos fibers. (Also accept: ionizing radiation, benzene, formaldehyde, etc.)
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases involving uncontrolled cell division, where cells divide continuously without normal restrictions.

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