Cancer: Prevention & Risks Flashcards
tumors whose cells do not spread to other parts of the body
benign tumor
unregulated multiplication of cells in the body
cancer
tumors whose cells spread throughout the body
malignant tumor
the process by which cancer cells spread throughout the body
metastasis
a physician who specializes in the causes of diseases
pathologist
a mass of abnormal cells
tumor
removal of cells from a tumor for examination under microscope
biopsy
gene responsible for familial breast cancer and genes that cause susceptibility to colorectal cancer; increases the risk of a person developing cancer in his or her lifetime
cancer susceptibility gene
a branch of science that studies the causes and frequencies of diseases in human populations
epidemiology
radiation, such as X-rays, that can damage cells and cause cancer; also used to treat cancer
ionizing radiation
permanent changes in the genetic information in a cell; only mutations in sperm and egg are inherited
mutations
a chemical that damages cells and causes cancer
chemical carcinogen
a form of lung cancer causes by asbestos
mesothelioma
viruses that infect cells, change their growth properties, can cause cancer
tumor viruses
environmental chemicals that mimic the effects of natural estrogen; may cause cancer
xenoestrogens
x-ray picture used to detect tumors in the breast
mammogram
a form of skin cancer that usually can be removed surgically
basal cell carcinoma
a particularly dangerous form of skin cancer
melanoma
a blood test that detects a protein associated with abnormal growth of a prostate gland
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
cancer of the top layer of skin; most are curable if removed early
squamous cell carcinoma
use of toxic chemicals to kill cancer cells and treat some forms of cancer
chemotherapy
medically enhancing the body’s immune system to fight cancer
immunotherapy
use of high-energy radiation, such as x-rays, to kill cancer cells and treat some forms of cancer
radiation therapy
a daily supplement of these nutrients has been shown o reduce cancer (mainly stomach and esophagus cancer) in a large Chinese population. But be careful, and use supplements in moderation; some supplements are toxic in high doses
vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium
These foods are called cruciferous vegetables. Scientists think that the phytochemical in these vegetables may detoxify cancer-causing chemicals. The advise is to eat more of them, and preferably to eat them raw or undercooked.
Cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts
A deficiency in this nutrient increases genetic damage that may contribute to cancer. It i found in dark green leafy vegetables.
folic acid
These foods are called allium vegetables. They sulfur-containing chemicals in allium vegetables may help prevent cancer, so the advise is to eat more of them.
garlic, onions, chives
This food has been shown to reduce esophageal cancer in the Chinese population. Drink it instead of black tea or coffee.
green tea
Extracts of this food have been shown to reduce tumors in laboratory animals and reduce blood cholesterol. Try to add this to your diet.
Shitake mushrooms
This nutrient from food helps decrease colon and rectal cancer. The best way to obtain it is from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
fiber
Cancers are classified according to the organ or kind tissue in which the tumor originates. The four major categories of cancer are:
carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, and lymphomas
Cancer that originates in the lymph glands, bone marrow, or organs that form blood cells, and results from the overproduction of immature white blood cells
Leukemia
Cancer that originates from epithelial tissues such as skin, membranes around glands, nerves, breasts, and limits of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts
Carcinoma
Cancer originating from connective tissue, such as bone, muscle, fat, and blood vessels
Sarcoma
A class of cancer that involves abnormal production of white blood cells by the spleen and lymph
Lymphoma
