What is Cancer??

Cancer The name for disease(s) in which the body's cells become abnormal and uncontrollably divide.

Normal cells stop dividing; Cancer cells don’t ! A healthy cell must: –r–r–r–receive adequate nutrition –b–b–b–be attached to other cells (to a membrane or to fibers between cells) to divide. –s–s–s–stop dividing if they get too crowded.

Cancer cells continue to divide, even when crowded. They also can detach and spread to other parts of the body (known as metastasis). breast cancer cells

Causes of Cancer: Mutations Normal cell division is controlled primarily by genes that code for growth factors. Mutations in these genes can lead to cancer.

Mutations Any change to DNA. The change can result in: Damaged gene(s) Missing gene(s) Gene(s) that end up in the wrong place mistakes when a cell divides

If a change DNA happens in a sex cell, the mutation can be passed on to the child.

Environmental Mutations- Carcinogens Any substance that causes cancer Includes: tobacco, asbestos, X- rays, UV rays, some organic solvents, industrial pollutants, or even viral infections!!

Types Kinds of Cancer Carcinoma - Cancer that begins in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs.Carcinoma - Cancer that begins in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs. Sarcoma – A cancer of connective or supportive tissue. These types of tissue include bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels.Sarcoma – A cancer of connective or supportive tissue. These types of tissue include bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels.

Lymphoma – solid tumors that grow inLymphoma – solid tumors that grow in tissues that form blood (can cause leukemia uncontrolled WBC production). tissues that form blood (can cause leukemia uncontrolled WBC production).

Stem Cell Therapy –Stem Cell Therapy – experimental – such as replacement of bone marrow stem cells Genetic Therapy – Genetic screening -Genetic Therapy – replace faulty tumor suppressor genes OR Genetic screening - Identify which medicines work best on specific cancer cells based on receptors etc.

Cancer Treatments

Cancer Treatments Chemotherapy –Chemotherapy – chemicals used to kill cancer cells or make them less active Radiation therapy–Radiation therapy– using ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Surgery –Surgery – remove tumors and cancerous tissue