Photocarcinogenesis Flashcards
Give a definition for cancer
An accumulation of abnormal cells that multiply through uncontrolled cell division and can spread
What are the five hallmarks of cancer?
Resisting apoptosis Angiogenesis Metastasis Evading growth suppressors Proliferative signalling
Why are people on TNF alpha blockers at higher risk of cancer?
As TNF alpha is an important immune cell in fighting cancer
What is the function of an oncogene?
Turns on/ positively regulates cell division
What is a proto-oncogene?
The normal, not yet mutated form of an oncogene
What is the function of a tumour suppressor gene?
Negatively regulates cell division
Give an example of an oncogene and tumour suppressor gene
Oncogene - Ras
Tumour suppressor - p53
What are the three main types of skin cancer?
Malignant melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
The majority of skin cancers are what type?
Non-Melanoma skin cancer (BCC and SCC)
What is the most serious form of skin cancer?
Malignant melanoma
Give some skin cancer risk factors
UV radiation Genetics Age Chemical exposure Immune suppression
Why are people with albinism at greater risk of developing skin cancer?
As they do not have the protection provided by melanin
Give some chemicals that can increase skin cancer risk
Coal tar
Soot
Petroleum products
Arsenic
Patients with what kind of conditions have an increased risk of malignant melanoma?
Autoimmune conditions (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s)
UVB causes direct/indirect DNA/oxidative damage while UVA causes direct/indirect DNA/oxidative damage
UVB causes direct DNA damage
UVA causes indirect oxidative damage
