Transcript Cancer
Cancer- uncontrollable growth of abnormal
cells
Body’s cells are constantly growing and
dividing
Most new cells are
normal but some are not
TumorAbnormal mass of tissue that has no natural role in
the body
Some are benign- noncancerous
Do not spread
Can be harmful if they interfere with normal body
functions
Ex block blood supply
Tumors that are malignant, cancerous,
spread to other tissues and spread through
blood and lymph
Metastasis- the spread of cancer from the
point where it started to other parts of the
body
Cancer cells can kill normal body cells
They compete for nutrients with the body’s cells
Lymphomas- cancers of the immune system
Leukemias- cancer of blood forming organs
Carcinomas- cancer of glands and body lining
Includes skin and line of digestive tract
Sarcomas- cancer of connective tissue
Bones, ligaments, and muscle
Most common organs affected are Skin,
Breast, Prostate, Lung, Colon, Mouth, Cervix
A faulty gene may be inherited (5-10% of
caner is inherited)
Majority of cancer is caused by exposure to
risk factors
Carcinogen- cancer causing substance
Ex cig. Smoke and ultraviolet rays
Tobacco use is the major cause of cancer
deaths and the most preventable
Second hand smoke
Also increases risk of bladder, pancreas, and
kidney cancer
43 different carcinogens have been identified
in tobacco and tobacco smoke
Smokeless tobacco- causes oral cancer which
affects the lips, mouth, and throat
Kills 1 person every hour
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical
cancer
Hepatitis B causes liver cancer
Reduce risk of these by abstaining from
sexual contact
Diets high in fat and low in fiber linked with
cancer
Fats make colon cells divide more rapidly
which increases risk of cancer cells
Fiber speeds the movement of waste through
the intestines so carcinogens have less time
to act on cells
UV rays from sun or tanning bed= main cause
of skin cancer
A tan is the body’s response to being injured
by UV rays
Avoid tanning beds!
Limit time in the sun if possible esp. between
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
When outside where sunscreen or long
sleeves
Pay attention to changes to skin
ABCDs of melanoma
Asymmetry (an imaginary line drawn through
center of a mole does not produce matching
halves)
Border Irregularity- Suspect moles have irregular
edges (not smooth)
Color- intensely black, blush tint, or uneven color
Diameter- wider than a pea
Abstaining from sexual contact
Be physically active
Eat nutritious foods- fruits, vegetables, fiber,
low in fat
Protect skin from UV rays
Avoid tobacco and alcohol (increases risk of
stomach and mouth cancer)
Be aware of warning signs
Changes in bowel habits (loose stools or
constipation)
Sore throat that does not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Lump in breast
Difficulty swallowing
Obvious change in moles
Nagging cough or hoarseness
Early detection of cancer is most critical
factor in successful cancer treatment
Self examination
Medial screening
Biopsy- the removable of a small piece of
tissue for examination to determine if cancer
was present
Depends on type of cancer of how much it
has spread
Surgery- removes cancerous tumors
Radiation therapy- radioactive rays kills cells
and shrinks cancerous mass
Chemotherapy- uses chemicals to destroy
the cells
Immunotherapy- activates immune system to
recognize cancer cells and destroy them
Hormone Therapy- using medicine that
interferes with the production of hormones
Remission- a period of time when symptoms
disappear
When cancer responds to treatment
Can reoccur