Cancer — AQA GCSE Biology
Test yourself on Cancer with AQA GCSE practice questions.
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Cancer explained
Cancer develops when changes occur in the DNA of a cell, altering the way the cell divides.
Read the full explanation
Normally, cell division is controlled so that new cells are produced only when needed. In cancer, these control mechanisms fail, so the cell divides repeatedly and uncontrollably. The resulting mass of abnormal cells is a tumour. If the tumour invades nearby tissues and spreads to other parts of the body, it is malignant; benign tumours do not invade or spread in the same way. Risk factors such as smoking, radiation and some viruses increase the chance of the DNA changes that can start cancer.
Your focus
- Describe cancer as a result of changes in cells.
- Explain how changes in cells lead to uncontrolled growth and division.
- Relate risk factors to the development of cancer.
Cancer exam tips
Marking Points
- States that cancer results from changes in cells, often described as changes to DNA or genes.
- Explains that these changes cause uncontrolled growth and division of cells.
- Describes the formation of a tumour as a mass of abnormal cells.
- Distinguishes malignant tumours, which invade and spread, from benign tumours, which do not.
- Links risk factors such as smoking or radiation to an increased chance of the cell changes that cause cancer.
- Uses correct terminology such as cell division, uncontrolled growth and tumour.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use the phrase uncontrolled growth and division when describing cancer.
- 💡Link the description to cell changes, such as changes in DNA, rather than saying cells simply grow.
- 💡If asked about risk factors, name a specific factor and explain how it increases the chance of cell changes.
Common Mistakes
- Saying cancer is a single disease caused by one pathogen; correct this by explaining that cancer arises from changes in cells and has many forms.
- Confusing benign and malignant tumours; correct this by stating that malignant tumours invade and spread, while benign tumours do not.
- Stating that all tumours are cancerous; correct this by explaining that a tumour is a mass of abnormal cells and may be benign or malignant.