1. Cancer Biology Biology

2. US Statistics 1 million new cases diagnosed each year1 million new cases diagnosed each year #2 cause of death#2 cause of death Survival rates are increasing as detection, diagnosis, and treatment improveSurvival rates are increasing as detection, diagnosis, and treatment improve

3. What is cancer? Begins in the cellsBegins in the cells Process of growth and division goes wrongProcess of growth and division goes wrong –New cells form incorrectly (mutations) –New cells form when the body does not need them (uncontrolled cell division) –Old cells do not die when they should

4. Broad Categories of Cancer Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma - cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.Sarcoma - cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia - cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.Leukemia - cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.Leukemia Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.Lymphoma Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

5. Tumors Masses of extra cells or a lumpMasses of extra cells or a lump –Benign – cells are still normal, just overgrown; “a harmless growth” –Malignant (cancerous)– cells are abnormal and divide with no controls Invasive tumors move from the immediately affected area and destroy surrounding tissueInvasive tumors move from the immediately affected area and destroy surrounding tissue Can break away and travel throughout the body (metastasis; metastatic tumors; metastasized)Can break away and travel throughout the body (metastasis; metastatic tumors; metastasized) Angiogenesis-Angiogenesis- –the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body –Angiogenesis is a normal and vital process in growth and development, as well as in wound healing. However, it is also a fundamental step in the transition of tumors from a dormant state to a malignant one wound healingtumorsmalignantwound healingtumorsmalignant

6. What causes cancer? Changes (alterations) in genes that control normal cell growth and divisionChanges (alterations) in genes that control normal cell growth and division Many reasons why this happensMany reasons why this happens –Environmental –Genetics –Biological Ex: VirusesEx: Viruses

7. Symptoms A thickening or lump in an areaA thickening or lump in an area Obvious change in a wart or moleObvious change in a wart or mole A sore that does not healA sore that does not heal Nagging cough/hoarsenessNagging cough/hoarseness Changes in bowel/bladder habitsChanges in bowel/bladder habits Ingestion/difficulty swallowingIngestion/difficulty swallowing Unexplained changes in weightUnexplained changes in weight Unusual bleeding/dischargeUnusual bleeding/discharge **Not all of these symptoms mean a person has cancer, they can have other causes

8. Diagnosis Biopsy of tumor/affected area-Biopsy of tumor/affected area- –A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue from the body for examination. The tissue will be examined under a microscope to assist in diagnosis. Pathologist-Pathologists are doctors who study the cause and development of disease; Pathologists work closely with:Pathologist-Pathologists are doctors who study the cause and development of disease; Pathologists work closely with: –Histologists-lab professionals who microscopically study tissue samples –Cytologists-lab professionals who are trained in noticing the subtle changes in cells that may identify precancerous, malignant or infectious conditions. Oncologist-a doctor who specializes in cancer detection and treatmentOncologist-a doctor who specializes in cancer detection and treatment

9. Treatment Examples Surgery-remove the mass of cellsSurgery-remove the mass of cells Chemotherapy-the use of chemicals to destroy/stop the overproduction of cellsChemotherapy-the use of chemicals to destroy/stop the overproduction of cells Radiation-use of high energy waves concentrated in the affected areaRadiation-use of high energy waves concentrated in the affected area Hormone therapy-adding, blocking or removing hormones that affect cancer growthHormone therapy-adding, blocking or removing hormones that affect cancer growth Biological therapy-using the body’s own immune system to fight cancerous cellsBiological therapy-using the body’s own immune system to fight cancerous cells Homeopathic/alternative medicine- using diet, herbs and other natural methodsHomeopathic/alternative medicine- using diet, herbs and other natural methods

10. Prevention Living a healthy lifestyle –N–N–N–No smoking, eating right, exercise, avoiding excessive sunlight –A–A–A–Awareness of disease/family history –R–R–R–Regular check-ups –S–S–S–Screenings

11. Think About These Questions… What are the odds that you one day will get cancer?What are the odds that you one day will get cancer? Are you doing anything to prevent yourself from getting cancer?Are you doing anything to prevent yourself from getting cancer? How has cancer has affected your life?How has cancer has affected your life? What are your thoughts on curing cancer?What are your thoughts on curing cancer?