Cancer Flashcards
What changes occur to make cells cancerous?
Cancer is unchecked cell growth. Mutations in genes that control the cell cycle can cause accelerated rates of cell division. Cells are non-specialized and cannot perform the normal functions of the organ.
What characteristics do cancer cells have?
Non-specialized are poorly differentiated- look different from normal cells in the same tissue.
and have abnormal membranes, cytoskeletal proteins, and morphology.
Define the terms ‘malignant’ and ‘metastasis’.
Malignant tumors have the ability to spread and invade other tissues.
Metastasis: the break-away of malignant cells which invade other tissues/organs
- There are many lifestyle factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing cancer. Identify 3 carcinogenic agents and explain how they each can cause cancer.
- Tobacco smoke
- Alcohol
- asbestos
transform normal cells into cancerous cells, through mutagenic and epigenetic events which affect the expression and functions of genes. If mutations occur in genes that control the cell cycle the cells divide uncontrollably.
- Describe ways that humans can reduce their risk of cancer caused by carcinogenic agents.
- Limit alcohol
- Healthy diet- vitamin/antioxidants reduce the impact of carcinogens on cells.
- Healthy weight and exercise
- Limit exposure to asbestos and tobacco smoke.
Cervical cancer diagnostic
Cervical cancer
Pap smear - Cells collected from outside and inside the cervix-examined under a microscope detecting the human papillomavirus (HPV) *
cervical cancer symptoms
- vaginal bleeding between periods.
- menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual.
- bleeding after intercourse.
- pain during intercourse.
- unusual vaginal discharge.
- vaginal bleeding after menopause.
cervical causes
human papillomavirus (HPV), low socio-economic status, smoking, marrying before age 18 years, young age at the first coitus, multiple sexual partners, multiple sexual partners of spouse, and multiple childbirths.
Bowel cancer diagnostics
colonoscopy or Biopsy and examination cells.
bowel symptoms
change in bowel habits with diarrhea, constipation, or the feeling of incomplete emptying.
* thin bowel movements.
* blood in the stools.
* abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping.
* anal or rectal pain.
* a lump in the anus or rectum.
* weight loss.
* fatigue.
bowel causes
Diet – red and processed meat,
Lack of dietary fiber
Overweight
Prostate cancer diagnostics
PSA Prostate-specific antigen blood test by your GP and the digital rectal examination by a urologist- biopsy and examination of cells. Blood test for PSA
Rectal examination
For enlargement of the gland -> biopsy of the gland
prostate c symptoms
- Frequent urination.
- Weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder.
- The urge to urinate frequently at night.
- Blood in the urine.
- Blood in the seminal fluid.
- New onset of erectile dysfunction.
prostate c causes
High animal fat diet
Breast cancer diag
Lump detection
Mammogram
biopsy
Women encouraged to check breasts for changes
Mammogram over 50-74
Fine-needle biopsy- lump ectomy.