HSC Biology — Module 8
Cancer — Flashcards & Quiz
Cancer is a non-infectious disease caused by uncontrolled cell division arising from mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, and HSC Biology Module 8 asks you to link the molecular mechanisms to clinical outcomes. Strong responses name specific examples (BRCA genes, p53), explain how multiple mutations accumulate, and evaluate treatment strategies from surgery through chemotherapy to modern immunotherapy and targeted biologicals.
Key Points
- Cancer is uncontrolled cell proliferation caused by mutations accumulating in genes that regulate the cell cycle.
- Proto-oncogenes normally promote cell division; mutations convert them into oncogenes that drive excessive proliferation.
- Tumour suppressor genes (e.g. p53, "guardian of the genome") normally restrain division; loss-of-function mutations remove the brakes.
- Multiple mutations are usually required — cancer develops over decades from an accumulation of DNA damage from environmental or replication errors.
- Treatment: surgery (remove tumour), radiation (damage DNA of dividing cells), chemotherapy (drug-based), immunotherapy (unmask cancer to the immune system), targeted therapy (block specific mutant proteins).
- Evaluation: modern therapies are increasingly personalised using tumour genomic profiling — HSC exam questions reward naming specific examples.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Claiming cancer is caused by a single mutation — usually multiple mutations accumulate over time.
- Confusing oncogenes (accelerators) with tumour suppressor genes (brakes).
- Forgetting that environmental factors (UV, smoking, diet) contribute to mutation accumulation.
- Listing treatments without linking to the biological mechanism (chemotherapy targets dividing cells, immunotherapy unmasks cancer).
- Ignoring the role of angiogenesis and metastasis in tumour progression.
Exam Strategy
HSC Module 8 cancer questions ask you to (1) explain the molecular basis, (2) discuss treatments, or (3) evaluate epidemiology. Structure: (1) define cancer as uncontrolled division, (2) explain the multi-step mutation model (proto-oncogenes + TSGs), (3) link to specific examples (BRCA, p53), (4) discuss treatment strategies with mechanisms. Named cancer types and statistics strengthen answers.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: What causes cancer and how does it develop?
Cancer results from mutations in genes that control cell division (oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes). Causes: mutagens (UV, chemicals, viruses), inherited mutations, random DNA replication errors. Mutated cells divide uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Malignant tumours can invade nearby tissues and metastasise (spread via blood/lymph).
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: Benign tumours can metastasise and spread to other parts of the body.
Answer: FALSE
Benign tumours are localised and do NOT metastasise. Only MALIGNANT tumours can invade surrounding tissues and spread via the blood or lymphatic system.
Q2: Mutations in tumour suppressor genes can lead to uncontrolled cell division.
Answer: TRUE
Tumour suppressor genes normally slow cell division or trigger apoptosis. Mutations that inactivate them remove these "brakes", allowing uncontrolled cell growth.
Revision Tip
Cancer biology is complex — use Revizi flashcards for the key genes (p53, BRCA1/2, Rb, ras) and one treatment type per category.
Related Concepts
Last updated: March 2026 · 1 flashcards · 2 quiz questions