Cancer

Question 1

Cancer

Answer 1

Abnormal cell division and growth (Due to gene mutation in DNA in cell cycle)

Question 2

Tumour

Answer 2

→ A mass of cells
→ forms from uncontrolled cell division
→ Has two types: Benign and Malignant

Question 3

Benign Tumours

Answer 3

→ Cells are not cancerous

→ But the increase in mass can cause crowding of nearby tissues

Question 4

Malignant Tumours

Answer 4

→ Cells are cancerous

→ Interferes with the functions of the surrounding cells

Question 5

Metastasis

Answer 5

The process of cancer cells breaking away from the tumour and forming a new tumour somewhere else in the body.

Question 6

Causes of Cancer

Answer 6

→ Mutations in DNA can cause the cells to replicate uncontrollably.
→ Mutations are can be caused by carcinogens

Question 7

Carcinogens

Answer 7

Environmental factors that cause cancer. (Like viruses, tobacco smoke, etc)

Question 8

Hereditary

Answer 8

DNA passed to the next generation can have info that leads to disease.

Question 9

Cancer Screening

Answer 9

→ Genetic screening
→ Self-exams for breast and testicular cancer
→ Pap tests to detect cervical cancer
→ PSA test for prostate cancer
→ Skin checks for moles to detect skin cancer

Question 10

Endoscopy

Answer 10

→ Used to screen for colon cancer
→ Made of a light, camera and cable
→ Camera helps doctors for abnormal groups of cells

Question 11

X-ray

Answer 11

→ Used to view bones and lungs

→ Can cause DNA damage

Question 12

Ultrasound

Answer 12

→ Uses ultra-high-frequency sound waves to create a digital image
→ Allows Doctors to view soft tissues like the heart or liver

Question 13

CT or CAT scans

Answer 13

Multiple X-rays are taken of the body from many different angles and images are assembled by a computer to form a detailed image.

Question 14

MRI

Answer 14

→ Radio waves and a strong magnetic field create images with more detail than a CT scan
→ Computers assemble info into a 3D model

Question 15

Biopsy

Answer 15

Surgically remove a piece of tumour cells to view under the microscope

Question 16

Surgery

Answer 16

Removing the cancerous tissue

Question 17

Chemotherapy

Answer 17

→ The use of drugs to slow or stop cancer cells from spreading and dividing.
→ Side effects include hair loss, nausea and fatigue

Question 18

Radiation

Answer 18

→ Damages the DNA so the cells cannot divide

→ Radiation is directed at the tumour by a focused beam or by implanting a radioactive source into the tumour

Question 19

Biophotonics

Answer 19

→ Beams of light detect and treat cancer
→ Very sensitive
→ Fewer side effects

Question 20

How to reduce the risk for cancer?

Answer 20

→ Avoid tobacco smoke
→ A healthy diet (high in fruits and vegetables, less fatty meat)
→ Maintain a healthy body weight