1. Cell Division Gone Wrong Cancer

2.  Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell division. It starts with a single cell that loses its control mechanisms due to a genetic mutation. That cell starts dividing without limit, and eventually kills the host.  Some types of cancers run in families while others are triggered by environmental factors.

3. A Tumour  Uncontrolled growth and division may create a rapidly growing mass of cells that form a lump or tumour.  Cells that stay together and have no serious effects on surrounding areas are called benign.  A mass of cells that interfere with the function of neighbouring cells and tissues is malignant. These cells are considered cancerous.

4. Causes  Every time a cell divides, its DNA is faithfully duplicated. Usually this process is error-free and the genetic information in the daughter cells is exactly the same as the parent cell. Sometimes though, random changes occur. These random changes are called mutations.

5.  Some mutations are caused by carcinogens: environmental factors that cause cancer.  Tobacco smoke (9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer)  Radiation (x-rays, UV from tanning beds)  Some viruses (HPV)  Some plastics  A lot of organic compounds

6.  Some cancers appear to be hereditary: DNA passed from one generation to the next.  Breast cancer  Colon cancer

7. Screening for Cancer  Checking for cancer, even though there are not symptoms, is screening for cancer.  At home, self check  Routine medical check up (especially if there is a history or breast or colon cancers)  Women – pap tests, breast checks  Men – testicular check, PSA check for prostate  Both - colonoscopy

9. Cancer Treatment  Two basic treatments: surgery to remove the tumor, and radiation or chemicals to kill actively dividing cells.  It is hard to remove all the tumor cells. Tumors often lack sharp boundaries for easy removal, and metastatic tumors can be very small and anywhere in the body.

10. Radiation and Chemotherapy  Radiation and chemotherapy are aimed at killing actively dividing cells, but killing all dividing cells is lethal: you must make new blood cells, skin cells, etc. So treatment must be carefully balanced to avoid killing the patient.

11. Chemotherapy  Chemotherapy also has the problem of natural selection within the tumor.  If any of the tumor cells are resistant to the chemical, they will survive and multiply.  The cancer seems to have disappeared, but it comes back a few years later in a form that is resistant to chemotherapy.  Using multiple drugs can decrease the risk of relapse: it’s hard for a cell to develop resistance to several drugs at the same time.

12. Biophotonics  The newest weapon in the fight against cancer uses beams of light to detect and treat cancer.  It is very sensitive and can help in early detection.  There are fewer side effects and can more accurately target cancerous tissue.

13. Reducing your Cancer Risk  Cancer prevention and early detection are very important.  Inform your self about you medical history, family history, and carcinogens in the environment to help you make healthier lifestyle choices.