Skin Cancer (general)

Question 1

Cancer definition

Answer 1

Accumulation of abnormal cells that multiply through uncontrolled cell division and can evade apoptosis

Question 2

How do cancers arise?

Answer 2

Arise from a single cell which undergoes various mutations and eventually results in the emergence of a cancerous cell

Question 3

Hallmarks of cancer

Answer 3

Up-regulation of oncogenes
Down-regulation of tumour suppressor genes
Evade apoptosis
Enables replicative immortality
Avoidance of immune destruction
Induces angiogenesis - formation of new blood vessels

Question 4

Oncogenes

Answer 4

Promotes cell growth and proliferation

Turned ON permanently in cancer - cell receives uncontrolled growth signals

Question 5

Oncogenes - examples

Answer 5

RAS
BRAF
Myc

Question 6

Tumour suppressor genes

Answer 6

Inhibits cell growth and proliferation
When functioning normally it prevents the formation of a tumour
Turned OFF permanently in cancer - cells can continue to grow and acquire mutations, eventually becoming malignant

Question 7

Tumour suppressor genes - examples

Answer 7

p53

Rb

Question 8

Risk factors for skin cancer

Answer 8

UV exposure
Age - incidence increases with age
Genetics - Skin type, albinism, xeroderma pigmentosum
Chemical exposure
Immune suppression - medications, autoimmune conditions (crohn’s), organ transplant recipients

Question 9

UVB

Answer 9

Causes direct damage to DNA

Question 10

UVA

Answer 10

Causes indirect damage to DNA

Question 11

UVC

Answer 11

Blocked by the ozone layer