cancer Flashcards
cancer is a general name for a group diseases from:
uncontrolled, abnormal division and growth of cells
if a cell is damaged due to ____, the cell USUALLY commits suicide by apoptosis.
injury or by a mutation. (PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH)
cancer: damaged cells survive? when they should die, and:
new cells form when they are not needed. a TUMOUR
two types of tumors
- benign
- malignant
benign tumors
- non cancerous
- cells divide but stay together
- may press on nearby organs, nerves, vessels
malignant tumors
- cancerous
- interfere with the function of neighbouring cells and tissues
- compete with healthy cells for nutrients
- invade and destroy surrounding tissue
- metastasize
metastasis:
when cells break away from a tumor, enter bloodstream, and form another tumor.
how is cancer caused
mutations to genes that control the way the cell functions, grows, divides.
how do genetic changes occur (that form cancer):
- can be partly hereditary
- environmental and occupational factors
- lifestyle choices
a genetic link increases your chances of:
developing cancer
carcinogens: substances or exposures
can cause cancer in living tissues if you are exposed
carcinogens examples
alcohol, sodium nitrite (preservative in cured meats), UV radiation, tobacco smoke.
cancer screenings
- blood tests
- breast self examinations/ultrasound
- pap test
- testicular self examination
- PSA blood test
- liopsy (confirm a diagnosis)
what cancer screening device checks for leukaemia
blood tests
stomach cancer screening test
gastroscopy
colon cancer screening test
colonoscopy
3 cancer treatments
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
cancer treatment: surgery
physically removing cancerous tissue (painful recovery, entire tumour may not be removed if vital organs will be damaged)
cancer treatment: chemotherapy
drugs that stop cancer cells form dividing. can reach tumours not visibly detected by tests. drugs are TOXIC to healthy cells.
cancer treatment: radiation
energy wages damage DNA of cancer cells to stop division. can harm healthy cells or burn affected area.
to prevent cancer, eat plenty of ____ high in cancer fighting chemicals.
fruits and veggies (broccoli, sweet potatoes, berries, cabbage, citrus fruits)
to prevent cancer, avoid eating meats that are high in:
fat and contain hormones and antibiotics
to prevent cancer, maintain
healthy weight and exercise regularly
to prevent cancer, avoid alcohol,
cigarette smoke, and cured meats
tips to prevent cancer
- eat fruits and veggies
- avoid meats
- maintain a healthy weight
- avoid alcohol, cigarettes, cured meats
benign tumours are better to have bc
benign: noncancerous
malignant: cancerous
malignant tumours can grow rapidly, invade, and destroy nearby tissues, and:
spread thru the body
benign tumours do not pose the threat that:
malignant tumours do
metastasize:
invade other organs (malignant cells are more likely to do this)
