Cancer The biological formation of cancer and treatments for the disease

What is cancer Cancer is a renegade system of growth that originates within a patient's bio-system (human body) Characterized by unchecked cell growth that progresses toward limitless expansion. – Arises when a single normal body cell undergoes genetic transformation into a cancer cell

How does cancer occur? 1.A tumor forms when a mutation occurs in the DNA of a cell A.This mutation makes the cell more likely to divide 2.The altered cell and its descendants divide too often (hyperplasia) 3.The cells continue to divide and mutate 4.If the tumor invades surrounding tissues and blood/lymphatic system (metastasis) the tumor is malignant.

Benign Tumors Benign tumors ARE NOT cancer Benign tumors grow in only one place and under most circumstances do not spread Medical experts still keep an eye on and can remove what they consider to be “benign tumors”.

DNA and Cancer Cancer occurs on a genetic level – It does not occur at once, rather over time after several genetic changes.

DNA and Cancer Two categories of genes play major roles in the development of cancer – Proto-oncogenes – stimulate cell division (become oncogenes after mutation). – Tumor suppressor genes – inhibit cell division Other cellular systems that play roles – DNA repair system, apoptosis, telomeres

The face of Cancer Scientist measure the impact of cancer on populations by looking at 3 things: 1.Number of new cases per year/100,000 2.Number of deaths per 100,000 people/year 3.Proportion of patients alive at some point after their diagnosis

Treatments for Cancer The current and most used treatments for cancer – Chemotherapy – Radiation – Surgery As time progresses medical experts are becoming more precise with the above methods for treating the disease.

CGAP Cancer Genome Anatomy Project – – New research initiative whose goal is to identify all genes that are involved with the establishment and growth of cancer

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Cancer Facts Cancer can be caused by carcinogens in the environment, viruses, heredity, life style factors, and radiation.. Can you think of any others??

Bibliography National Institute of Health. Understanding cancer ents/nih1/cancer/guide/understanding1.ht m