Cells, cell division, cancer and cancer treatment (post 16) [PDF - 906 KB]

This resource has been developed to support the teaching of Cell Biology and at the same time to develop some further understanding of certain aspects of cancer and its treatment. In particular, the potential role of certain substances derived from plants is emphasised.

There are, of course, many other dimensions to cancer and its treatment. There is a wide range of other relevant factors such as inherited traits, environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking as well as diet). Other related matters would include occupational exposures to certain chemicals and the possibility of certain viral infections triggering some types of cancer. Plants, and substances derived from them, certainly have a key role in both the prevention and treatment of
cancer. It should be emphasised, however, that simply eating certain plants will not in itself prevent or cure cancer without other lifestyle changes being adopted.