CancerSpec 2.4
In short
Cancer is the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell division. Normally cell division is controlled, so a tissue makes only the cells it needs. In cancer, cells keep dividing by mitosis when they should not, which can form a mass of cells called a tumour. The key idea is that the division is uncontrolled.
Cell division is normally controlled, so a tissue makes only the cells it needs. Cancer is the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell division.
The cells keep dividing by mitosis when they should not. This can form a mass of cells called a tumour.
Do not just say cancer is 'cells dividing'. Healthy cells divide too. The key idea is that the division is uncontrolled.
Quick check
Put the stages of the cell cycle in order, starting with interphase.
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Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis.
What happens to the chromosomes in metaphase?
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They line up along the equator of the cell.
Name three uses of mitosis.
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Growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
What does diploid mean?
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The nucleus contains two sets of chromosomes, which form pairs.
What causes cancer?
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Changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell division.
Written and checked against the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) specification · Updated October 2026