Cancer
Cancer is the 2nd most common cause of death in the US after heart disease (may soon become #1)
What is Cancer
Normal body cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion.
Cancer cells are different because they do not die, just continue to divide and grow.
Cancer cells form as a result of damaged DNA (mutations) which cause improper regulation of genes
(the genes that control cell growth and death)
How does damage to DNA occur?
heredity – inherited mistakes in your genome
mutation – caused by chemicals, radiation, viruses
o smoking
o occupational exposures
o environmental exposures
Tumor life cycle
1. Initiation –
2. Promotion –
3. Progression –
Types of tumors
1. Benign -
2. Malignant –
Types of cancers
Sarcoma-rise from connective tissue such as muscle or bone and are more common in younger
people.
Carcinomas-which occur in epithelial tissue and are more common in older people. It includes lung,
breast, prostate, and colon.
Leukemia- cancers of the blood or blood forming organs.
Lymphomas- affect the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a group of vessels and nodes that
act as the body’s filter. It prevents bacteria and foreign invaders from entering the bloodstream.
Cancer Risk Factors
Obesity UV radiation exposure
Smoking Exposure to some viruses
Chemical exposures Immune system diseases (AIDS)
Ionizing radiation exposure Family history
Preventing Cancer
Primary
Secondary
Diagnosis and Treatment