Cancer

Question 1

Cancer formation

Answer 1

The inability of cells to stop dividing creates a mass of cells (Tumour)
Benign Tumour – no effect on surrounding tissues, unless it’s large enough to crowd nearby cells.
Malignant Tumour – interferes with the function of neighbouring cells (production of enzymes).
Metastasis – cells break off of original tumor, settling and growing elsewhere.

Question 2

Cancer causes

Answer 2

Mutations – random changes in DNA during cell division. These can either kill the cell OR allow them to divide again if the changed DNA controls cell division
Mutations can either be caused by…
Carcinogens – environmental factors such as UV, plastics, organic solvents, etc.
Genetics – some people are pre-disposed to cancer causing mutations

Question 3

Cancer screening

Answer 3

Checking for cancer – can be done at home or with a physician
GENETIC SCREENING – checking DNA and family history
Other screening usually includes…
Pap test (ovarian cancer)
Mole checks (skin cancer)
Prostate check (Prostate cancer)
Blood test (Colon cancer)

Question 4

Lung Cancer and smoking

Answer 4

Carcinogens in cigarettes make it more likely for lung cells to mutate into cancer cells

Question 5

Reducing Cancer risk

Answer 5

Avoiding carcinogens/toxins
A healthy diet (rich in so called “super foods” such as avocados, grapefruit, garlic, nuts, figs)
Loss of weight

Question 6

Diagnosing Cancer (Imaging technology)

Answer 6

1. Endoscope – camera attached to a tiny fiber-optic cable, inserted into the digestive canal
2. X-Rays – typically used for bones/lungs, but mammograms can examine breast tissue
3. Ultrasound – high frequency sound waves to create digital image
4. CT Scan – Multiple x-ray images can be taken at the sime time
5. MRI – Radio waves & magnetic field create detailed images

Question 7

Diagnosing Cancer (Examining Cells)

Answer 7

Blood samples can detect certain cancers (leukemia)]

BIOPSY – surgically removed group of cells which are different shape/size than normal cells

Question 8

Cancer treatment

Answer 8

1. Surgery – physically removing cancer tissue
2. Chemotherapy – drugs used to stop cell division. Side effects are hair loss, nausea, vomiting. Tries to shrink or keep the size of a tumour the same to operate on later
3. Radiation – DNA of daughter cells gets damaged, stopping cell division
4. Biophotonics – beams of light detect and destroy cancer more specifically