Cancer Cells Flashcards
what is cancer and what is it the result of (3 points)
uncontrolled cell division:
- checkpoints not functioning
- no growth factor need to initiate division
- cancer cells synthesizing their own growth factors
How can cancer spread from one cell
- cancer begins with a single abnormal cell that then divides uncontrolled
- a change in the DNA sequence (mutation) is then passed on to each of the daughter cells and continues
- cells evade other tissues of body
is it normal to have mutations in cells
yes - most mutations will be caught by check points and terminated but some will lead to cancer after years of mutation build up
what are 5 causes of such mutations
- chemical carcinogens (cigs/asbestos)
- radiation (breaks chromosome)
- viruses (add foreign DNA)
- high temp
- ionizing radiation (nuclear)
what is a tumor
if the abnormal cell divides by mitosis, a small growth forms of tissue
what are the 2 types of tumors
malignant - can spread to other body parts in a process called metastasis
benign - do not spread
what are 4 ways to reduce risk of cancer
sunscreen
no smoking
appopriate diet
education
what are 3 cancer treatments
- chemotherapy - disrupts cell division and kills cells
- Radiotherapy - causes massive damage to DNA so division is stopped
- Surgery
describe how to test for breast cancer and who should look out for it
mammography - xray of breasts
women > 50 years should do it every 2 years
describe how to test for cervical cancer and who should look out for it
pap test - cells are collected and examined for abnormalities
women who have had sex (every 2 years)
describe how to test for prostate cancer and who should look out for it
blood test biopsy to test for specific protein produced by prostate (men > 45 regularly)
describe how to test for bowel cancer and who should look out for it
samples of poo taken to find blood
50 - 70 year olds every 5 years
