Describe cancer as the result of changes in cells that lead to…

The idea

Cancer begins when changes occur in a cell's genetic material, so the normal controls on the cell cycle no longer work. The altered cell then divides again and again without the usual restraint, producing many identical faulty cells that form a tumour. In a multiple-choice question you must pick the option that captures both parts of the idea: the change in cells and the uncontrolled division that follows. A useful method is to test each option against those two clauses. An option saying cancer is simply 'a fast infection' fails because it names no change in the cell's control of division. An option describing 'changes in cells causing uncontrolled cell division' matches the specification. Distinguish this from controlled growth, where division is regulated and serves normal growth or repair.

What earns the marks

• Cancer is described as resulting from changes in cells, for example changes to the genetic material that controls the cell cycle.
• The consequence of those changes is uncontrolled cell division, so cells divide repeatedly without normal restraint.
• The repeated division produces a mass of abnormal cells, commonly described as a tumour.
• A correct option must link the cell change to loss of control of division, not merely describe rapid growth or infection.
• Options that describe cancer as an infectious disease or as normal controlled growth are incorrect because they contradict the specification.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Choosing an option that says cancer is caused by a pathogen or is infectious.

  Put it right by stating that cancer arises from changes within cells that remove control of division.

• Selecting an option that mentions only 'rapid cell division' without the change in cells.

  Put it right by requiring both the cell change and the uncontrolled division.

• Confusing uncontrolled division with normal growth or repair.

  Put it right by noting that normal division is regulated, whereas cancer cells escape that control.

• Assuming a tumour cell stops dividing.

  Put it right by stating that the faulty cells continue to divide repeatedly.

Exam tips

• Read every option and check it against both clauses: a change in cells and uncontrolled cell division.
• Eliminate options that describe infection or normal controlled growth before choosing.
• If two options seem similar, choose the one that explicitly links the cell change to loss of control of division.