Cancer What is cancer uncontrolled cell growth that

Cancer • What is cancer? • uncontrolled cell growth that leads to the formation of primary tumors • cells that spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body and develop secondary tumors

What are some causes of Cancer? Ø Environment Sunlight l Smoking Ø Some Viruses or Bacteria Ø Heredity Ø Some Chemicals Ø Radiation l

Causes of Cancer

Benign vs. Malignant Tumors Benign tumor (neoplasm = unexpected new growth) Malignant Tumor (metastasis = Cancer)

How Does Cancer Develop? abnormal growth loss of normal structure “in place”

How Does Cancer Spread? (Metastasis) • Malignant tumors are usually more dangerous than benign tumors because malignant tumors can spread to vital organs (metastasis)

Pictures of Cells in Metastasis

What are the Types of Cancer? Carcinoma - the most common types of cancer; originate in skin tissue Leukemia - originates with immature blood cells that grow in the bone marrow and tend to accumulate in large numbers in the bloodstream

What are the Types of Cancer? Lymphomas –originate in tissues/cells of the immune system. Sarcomas – originate in supporting tissues of the body such as bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, and muscle.

Different Types of Cancer

What are ways to detect Cancer? Biopsy • surgical removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination. Screening Tests on Next Slide

What are Tests for Cancer? • Pap Smear (cervical cancer) • Mammogram (breast cancer) • Colonoscopy (colon cancer)

What are Tests for Cancer? ØPSA (prostate cancer) ØFecal Occult Blood Test (blood in feces) ØImaging Tests • CT scan, MRI, X ray, ultrasound

Some Treatments for Cancer • Surgery • oldest treatment • followed by other treatments • should not cause cancer to spread by exposing tumor to air • Radiation • causes mutations in DNA of fast dividing cells • side effects vary on type of radiation

Ø Chemotherapy chemicals used to fight cancer cells l target fast dividing cells Ø Immunotherapy l Stimulates the immune system l Gene therapy l Putting new gene into cells to “fix” damaged gene or to stimulate the immune system l

What May Prevent Cancer? Ø Don’t Smoke Ø Watch Your Diet Ø Live a Healthy Lifestyle Ø Get Regular Checkups Ø Stay Educated about Cancer Ø Regulate Your Amount of Sun Exposure (outside and tanning booths)

Remember ØNot everything causes cancer ØCancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise. ØCancer is not contagious. No one can "catch" cancer from another person.

ØHaving one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer. ØSome people are more sensitive than others to the known risk factors.