Chapter 11 - Cancer Prevention

Question 1

Angiogenesis

Answer 1

Formation of blood vessels (capillaries).

Question 2

Benign

Answer 2

Noncancerous.

Question 3

Cancer

Answer 3

Group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.

Question 4

Carcinogens

Answer 4

Substances that contribute to the formation of cancers.

Question 5

Carcinoma in situ

Answer 5

Encapsulated malignant tumor that has not spread.

Question 6

Carotenoids

Answer 6

Pigment substances in plants that are often precursors to vitamin A. More than 600 carotenoids are found in nature, about 50 of which are precursors to vitamin A, the most potent one being beta-carotene.

Question 7

Cruciferous vegetables

Answer 7

Plants that produce cross-shaped leaves (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi), which seem to have a protective effect against cancer.

Question 8

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Answer 8

Genetic substance of which gene are made; molecule that contains cell’s genetic code.

Question 9

Malignant

Answer 9

Cancerous.

Question 10

Mammogram

Answer 10

Low-dose x-rays of the breasts used as a screening technique for the early detection of breast tumors.

Question 11

Melanoma

Answer 11

The most virulent, rapidly spreading form of skin cancer.

Question 12

Metastasis

Answer 12

The movement of cells from one part of the body to another.

Question 13

Nitrosamines

Answer 13

Potential cancer-causing compounds formed when nitrites and nitrates, which prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in processed meat, combine with other chemicals in the stomach.

Question 14

Non-melanoma skin cancer

Answer 14

Cancer that spreads or grows at the original site but does not metastasize to other regions of the body.

Question 15

Oncogenes

Answer 15

Genes that initiate cell division.

Question 16

Phytonutrients

Answer 16

Compounds found in fruits and vegetables that block formation of cancerous tumors and disrupt the process of cancer.

Question 17

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Answer 17

Genetic material that guides the formation of cell proteins.

Question 18

Sun protection factor (SPF)

Answer 18

Degree of protection offered by ingredients in sunscreen lotion; at least SPF 15 is recommended.

Question 19

Suppressor genes

Answer 19

Genes that deactivate the process of cell division.

Question 20

Telomerase

Answer 20

An enzyme that allows cells to reproduce indefinitely.

Question 21

Telomeres

Answer 21

A strand of molecules at both ends of a chromosome.

Question 22

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays

Answer 22

Ultraviolet rays that pass deeper into the skin and are believed to cause skin damage and skin cancers.

Question 23

Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays

Answer 23

Ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn and lead to skin cancers.