• Question: How do you get a tumour?

    Asked by meg123 to Amy, Karen, Sarah, Vijay, Will on 19 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Karen Reed

      Karen Reed answered on 19 Jun 2012:

      a tumour is a type of cancer that grows like a lump. It may or may not be cancerous (ie likely to spread around the body) but the way it forms is the same, and its due to uncontrolled cell growth.

      The process of making new cells (cell division) is VERY highly controlled by our genes and it’s really important. But if the genes get damaged, they may stop working so the normal control goes and you get cancer. That’s why things like smoking and getting sunburnt increase your chances of getting cancer – they increase the chances of damaging DNA (and genes) so therefore increase the chance of cancer.

Comments

  • Photo: meg123

    meg123 commented on :

    What are the symtoms of a tumour?

    • Photo: Karen

      Karen commented on :

      usually for tumours its the presence of a lump, or a continual sore patch. Its always a good idea to check yourself regularly for lumps bumps, sore patches and changes in skin colour and see your GP if you’re worried.
      Of course some tumours – eg brain ones – you can’t necessarily feel them – and you only notice thay are there when they start to press on other things and you get symptoms from that – so it can be really hard to spot.