cancer

Question 1

what is cancer

Answer 1

• uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells which leads to tumours.

Question 2

what are the types of tumours

Answer 2

1. benign
   - tumours contain cells that appear normal
   - the cell growth is self limiting and the tumour is encapsulated
   - there is no spread to other tissues
   - size or location of tumour may impact nearby structures
2. malignant (cancer)
   - rapid/ unregulated proliferation and growth
   - decrease cell differentiation
   - abnormal tissue organisation
   - invade other tissues
   - occurs due to gene mutations

Question 3

what are gene mutations

Answer 3

1. proto-oncogenes
2. tumour suppressor genes (P53)
3. DNA repair genes

Question 4

what is proto-oncogenes

Answer 4

proto-oncogenes are a class of genes coding for proteins that regulate normal cell growth. if there are genetic mutations in these genes, they give rise to oncogenes. oncogenes permit unregulated cell growth and differentiation and may also result in chromosome amplification, such as for growth receptors on a cell

Question 5

what are tumour suppressor genes (p53)

Answer 5

code for proteins that:
- slow/ stop mitosis
-initiate DNA repair
- increase immune destruction of cancer cells
- trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death)
- mutation in these genes creates the loss/ removal of those necessary protein functions
mutations in P53 gene found in half of all tumour types

Question 6

what are DNA repair genes

Answer 6

• code for proteins that repair DNA

- mutation in these genes means decrease in DNA repairs

Question 7

risk factors for cancer

Answer 7

1. immunity (decrease immune response to cancerous cells)
2. chemical exposure
3. radiation
4. diet

Question 8

signs and symptoms of cancer and how to detect it

Answer 8

• pain
• cachexia- weight loss and tissue wasting
• fatigue that isnt relieved with rest (lack of concentration, motivation and energy)

detection

• scans- MRI, CT, PET
• tumour markers
• biopsy

Question 9

distinguish between tumour grading and cancer staging

Answer 9

tumour grading compares the tumour cells to the host tissue cells and awards a grade based on the level of resemblance

cancer staging is about the size of the tumour and level of spread

in both cases the higher the grade/ stage, the more sever the cancer

Question 10

what are treatment options for cancer

Answer 10

• surgery- remove tumour
• radiation- rapidly dividing cells are most susceptible (including healthy cells)
• chemotherapy- non selective cytotoxic chemicals, rapidly dividing cells most susceptible
• immunotherapy- enhance immune efficacy
• hormone therapy- for hormone responsive cancers
• gene therapy- introducing genetic material into cells that will aid with normal process or inhibit cancerous processes