interpreting data on cancer Flashcards
what do risk factors mean
things that increase a person chance of getting cancer
what can the risk factors either be
genetic or enviromental
explain about genetic risk factors
some cancers are related to specific inherited alleles
if you inherit an allele you’re more likely to get that type of cancer
explain about environmental risk factors
exposure to radiation, lifestyle choices such as smoking, increased alcohol consumption and having a high fat diet
what causes cancer
mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes
what does screening do
looks for the mutation in the persons DNA
why does screening help prevent cancer
knowing about the increased risk can help take steps to reduce it
what is gene therapy
where faulty cells are replaced by working versions of those alleles
