Transcript Genetic Damage And Mutation

Genetic Damage and
Mutation
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Cancer results from the accumulation of
genetic damage to cells across
time***
Cancer cells differ from normal cells
Their shape and appearance is different.****
 There are changes in their dependence on
growth factors
 There is a multitude of biochemical
differences
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Cancer is a multi-step process,
which explains:
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Increased incidence of cancer with
age***
Development of cancer can be decades
after exposure to carcinogens *****
Increased incidence of cancer among
people with inherited dispositions
Knowledge to improve personal
and public health
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Good choices can reduce an individual’s risk of
developing cancer
Levels of cancer prevention:
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Individual behavior changes
Health care providers –
counseling and screening
National level – government regulations to minimize
public exposure to known carcinogens
International level – actions of developed countries
bring cancer treatment worldwide
Risk factors for skin cancer
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Excessive exposure to UV (ultraviolet)
radiation
Fair complexion
Occupational exposure to substances
Coal tar
 Creosote
 Arsenic compounds
 Radium
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Good choices can improve an individual’s
chance of survival if he/she develops
cancer
There is improved detection
 There is improved treatment
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Ethical values sometimes conflict in public
policy debates about strategies for
reducing the risk of cancer
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Ethics is a process of rational inquiry
Ethics requires a solid foundation of
information and careful interpretation of
that information
There are often competing, well-reasoned
answers to what is right and wrong, or
good or bad
Questions
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What is the relationship between exposure
to carcinogens and the development of
cancer?
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Answer: Cancer can develop decades after
exposure to carcinogens.
What is actually happening in a person’s
lungs when the person develops cancer?
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Answer: the cancer cells multiply rapidly,
taking up space and nutrients from the
normal cells.
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When a physician looks at cells under the
microscope, how can she tell if the cells
are cancer cells?
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Answer: By the appearance changes
If children wear protective headwear and
clothing when outside during peak hours
of UV exposure, what would be the result?
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Answer: Most skin cancers would be
prevented.
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Some people inherit a disposition to
develop cancer. What does that mean?
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Answer: They are more likely to develop
cancer than the general population.
The best example of a government
regulation that would minimize exposure
to carcinogens would be:
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Answer: Banning cigarette smoking in public
places.
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In normal cell growth, what regulates the
cell growth cycle?
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Cancer results from what type of damage
to cells over time?
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Answer: Genes
Answer: Genetic
The development of cancer most likely
occurs due to:
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Answer: multiple exposures over time.
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How do healthcare providers participate in
cancer prevention?
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Why is overexposure to the sun a risk
factor in the development of skin cancer?
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Answer: they routinely perform cancer
screening.
Answer: ultraviolet radiation damages skin
cells.
Coal tar and radium are both examples of:
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Answer: known carcinogens.