Oncology Flashcards
cancer (CA)
abnormal cell growth; cells ignore the growth regulation signals
Benign
tumor that is noncancerous
Malignant neoplasms (cancer cells)
cancer cell growth
tumor
can be cancerous or noncancerous; abnormal tissue growth
metastasis
spread of cancer from original site to another site
what is the second leading cause of death?
cancer! second to cardiovascular disease
3 leading causes of cancer death in men
prostate, lung, colorectal
3 leading causes of cancer death in women
breast, lung, colorectal
rates of cancer death are higher in men or women?
men
cancer death rates are higher in which specific gender & race & lower is which specific gender & race?
higher: African American men
lower: Asian / Pacific Islander women
factors affecting cancer death rates (4)
- attitudes / lifestyle choices
- cultural beliefs
- socioeconomic status / insurance coverage
- misconceptions
what causes cancer?
- factors associated w cancer causation
- describe exposure
- list another cause
causes of most cancers are unknown
carcinogens: factors associated w cancer causation
exposure: alteration of genetic material of cell = oncogenes = produce abnormal cells = eventually become cancer cells
- failure of immune system can be another cause
lung cancer is often associated with _____
smoking
skin cancer is often associated with ____
UV light rays
examples of controllable risk factors (preventable concerns for cancer)
smoking, tanning beds, wearing sunscreen
list specific risk factors associated w increase incidence of cancer (4)
obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diet high in red meats & processed foods, diet high in alcohol
list & briefly describe specific carcinogens (6)
- viruses (HPV, hepatitis)
- physical agents (smoking, exposure to chemicals)
- chemicals
- genetic / familial factors (Broca 1 & 2 genes)
- lifestyle factors (diet high in red meats, processed foods, alcohol)
- hormones (childbirth, menopause)
role of the immune system R/T oncology (3)
surveillance, intact immune system, immune system invasion
how is cancer cell division & cancer cells different from the normal cell cycle? which specific gene is lacked?
- complete the cell cycle quicker
- less likely to enter in G0 phase
- uncontrolled growth patterns & immortality (lack p 53 gene)
- rapidly growing & reproducing cells are the targets of chemo & radiation
describe primary cancer prevention & give an example
reducing the risks
EX: HPV immunization
describe secondary cancer prevention & give examples
early detection & screening
examples: screening efforts like inspection, palpation, & diagnostic tests
describe tertiary cancer prevention
after diagnosis; prevention of complications
treatments considered therapeutic to eradicate or arrest disease and/or prevent further complications
how is cancer diagnosed?
- multidisciplinary
- physical exam findings during examination
diagnosis of malignancy (4)
- tissue biopsy
- cytology results
- lab results (hematological malignancies)
- CT, X-rays, MRI (scans body for tumors)
what must patients have to make cancer & malignancy diagnosis?
must have cells / tissue!!!
staging & grading of cancer
- when is it done?
- how are tumors categorized?
- Done immediately after diagnosis / prior to treatment
- Categorize tumors according to extent of disease & organs involved
describe staging vs grading
staging: determines the size, invasion, lymph node involvement, metastasis (how far it has spread); uses TNM system (tumor, nodes, mets)
grading: pathologic classification (Type of tumor cells & differentiation) Evaluation of extent to which tumor cells differ from normal cells
higher the stage or grade….
decreases prognosis for cure