WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a large group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Neoplasm is new growth of tissue that serves no physiological function. A tumor is a clumping of neoplasmic cells. Malignant means cancerous. Benign means noncancerous. A biopsy is a microscopic examination of cell development.

WHAT IS CANCER? (CONT.)

Metastasis is the process by which malignant tumors that are not enclosed in a protective capsule spread to other organs. Mutant cells form after a disruption of RNA and DNA within normal cells, which may produce cells that differ in form, quality, and function from the normal cell.

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?

External factors, such as chemicals, radiation, viruses, and lifestyle Internal factors, such as hormones, immune conditions, and inherited mutations Cellular change theory says cancer results from

carcinogens. oncogenes.

METASTASIS

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RISKS FOR CANCER

Lifetime risk is the probability that an individual, over the course of a lifetime, will develop cancer or die from it. Relative risk is the measure of the strength of the relationship between risk factors and a particular cancer. Smoking is responsible for 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. Obesity increases risk to 50 percent for breast cancer in postmenopausal women, 40 percent for colon cancer in men.

BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Some cancers, such as breast, stomach, colon, prostate, uterus, ovary and lung, appear to run in families. Hodgkins disease and certain leukemias show similar patterns. Genes appear to account for approximately 5 to 10 percent of all cases of breast cancer.

REPRODUCTIVE AND HORMONAL RISKS FOR CANCER

Pregnancy and oral contraceptives increase a womans chances of breast cancer. Late menarche, early menopause, early first childbirth, and having many children have been shown to reduce risk of breast cancer.

OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Asbestos Nickel Chromate Benzene Arsenic Radioactive substances Cool tars Herbicides and pesticides

CHEMICALS IN FOODS
Sodium nitrate when ingested forms a potential carcinogen, nitrosamine. Sodium nitrate is still used because it is effective in preventing botulism. Pesticide and herbicide residues in high doses are known to cause cancer.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

Stress has been implicated in increased susceptibility to several types of cancers. Sleep disturbances, diet, or a combination of factors may weaken the bodys immune system.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND CANCERS

Herpes-related viruses may be involved in the development of leukemia, Hodgkins disease, cervical cancer, and Burkitts lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus, associated with mononucleosis, may contribute to cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that causes genital warts, has been linked to cervical cancer. Helicobacter pylori causes ulcers, which are a major factor in the development of stomach cancer.

MEDICAL FACTORS
Some medical treatments actually increase a persons risk for cancer. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was used from 1940 to 1960 to control bleeding during pregnancy; the daughters of mothers who used DES were found to have an increased risk for cancers of the reproductive organs. Estrogen supplementation contributes to multiple cancer risks. Chemotherapy used to treat one form of cancer may increase risk for another type of cancer.

TYPES OF CANCERS

Classification of cancers
Carcinomas Sarcomas Lymphomas Leukemias

LUNG CANCER
In 2008, an estimated 161,840 people died from lung cancer. Since 1987, more women have died from lung cancer than breast cancer. Symptoms: persistent cough, blood-streaked sputum, and chest pain. Treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy Prevention: avoid smoking and environmental tobacco smoke

BREAST CANCER

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

One

in 210 between birth and age 39 One in 26 between ages 40 to 59 One in 15 between ages 60 to79

Detection: mammograms, regular breast self-exams Symptoms: lump in the breast, thickening, dimpling, skin irritation, distortion, tenderness

BREAST CANCER (CONT.)

Risk

factors: family history, hyperplasia, long menstrual history, obesity after menopause, oral contraceptives Treatment: lumpectomy, radical mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy Prevention: exercise

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

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Figure 16.5

COLON AND RECTAL CANCERS

Third

most common cancers in men and women, with over 148,810 new cases diagnosed in 2008 Risk factors: over 50 years old, obese, family history of colon or rectal cancer or polyps, diets high in fats and low in fiber, smoking, high alcohol consumption, lack of exercise Ninety percent of colorectal cancers are preventable. Treatment: radiation, surgery, and possibly chemotherapy Prevention: regular exercise, a diet heavy in fruits and plant-origin foods, a healthy weight, and moderation in alcohol consumption

SKIN CANCER
Long-term sun exposure can result in skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The sun emits three types of harmful rays

UVA UVB UVC

TYPES OF ULTRAVIOLET RAYS

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SKIN CANCER (CONT.)

Use the ABCD rule to detect melanoma.

Asymmetry: half of a mole does not look like the other half Border irregularity: the edges are uneven Color: pigmentation is not uniform Diameter: larger than a pea

TYPES OF SKIN CANCERS

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PROSTATE CANCER
Most common cancer in American men, excluding skin cancer In 2008, 186,320 new cases were diagnosed. One in three men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. Prostate is a muscular, walnut-sized gland surrounding part of the urethra and whose primary function is to produce seminal fluid.

PROSTATE CANCER (CONT.)

Symptoms:

weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination Risk factors: age, race, nationality, family history, diet, and lifestyle Prevention: diet high in lycopenes, vitamin E

OVARIAN CANCER
Fifth-leading cause of cancer death for women; almost 22,000 new cases diagnosed and more than 15,000 deaths reported in 2008 Most common symptom is enlargement of the abdomen. Risk factors: family history, age, childbearing, cancer history, fertility drugs, talc use in genital area, genetic predisposition Prevention: diet high in vegetables and low in fat, exercise, sleep, stress management, and weight control

CERVICAL AND ENDOMETRIAL (UTERINE) CANCER

In 2008 in the United States, there were 11,070 new cases of cervical cancer; 40,100 of endometrial cancer. In a pap test, cells are taken from the cervical region. Risk factors:

For cervical cancer, early age at first intercourse, multiple sex partners, cigarette smoking, and certain STIs For endometrial cancer: age, endometrial hyperplasia, overweight, diabetes, and high blood pressure

TESTICULAR CANCER
Affected nearly 7,920 young men in 2007 Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are at the greatest risk. Important to practice regular testicular self-exams Lance Armstrong Foundations LiveStrong campaign raises awareness.

TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION

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OTHER CANCERS
Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 5%. Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming tissues. Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system.

DETECTING CANCER
The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prospect for survival. Tests for detection

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan Prostatic ultrasound Regular self-exams and checkups

CANCERS SEVEN WARNING SIGNALS

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NEW HOPE IN CANCER TREATMENTS

Radiotherapy Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Cancer-fighting vaccines Gene therapy Angiogenesis inhibitors

RADIATION THERAPY

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TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT CANCER

Kind of cancer? Type? Stage? Prognosis? Treatment choices? Short- and long-term effects of treatment?

CANCER SURVIVORS
Cancer support groups Cancer information workshops Low-cost medical consultation Increased government funding to seek cures