What Is Cancer Flashcards
What is cancer?
Occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably (tumors)
Affect different areas of the body
What are the causes?
Carcinogens, agents that increase the likelihood of developing cancer (UV rays, tobacco smoke)
What are risk factors?
Tobacco, sunlight, ionizing radiation, chemicals (carcinogens)
Some viruses and bacteria, genetic predisposition, poor diet, lack exercise
What are the classification of cancers?
Type of tissue the cancer affects and location of origin in the body
What are lymphomas?
Types of cancers that affect the immune system, generate lymphatic cells
Swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, night sweats
What are leukemias?
Affects bone marrow and blood
“Blood cancer” symptoms similar to lymphomas
Types are lymphocytic and myelogenous
What are carcinomas?
Cancers of epithelial tissues
Most common types of cancers among adults
Includes skin, breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers
What are sarcomas?
Cancers of supportive or connective tissues
Bone, cartilage, fat, and muscles
Categories of soft tissue (children), and bone (a lot of pain)
