CANCER Cell Division Gone Wrong

Cancer  Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells grow and divide out of control.  The DNA that controls the cell cycle is mutated.  Checkpoints in the cell cycle that stop cell division or kill the cell fail.

Tumours  A tumour is a mass of cells that continues to grow and serves no function for the body.  Benign tumours are not cancerous but they can crowd surrounding cells.  Malignant tumours are cancerous. They can interfere with or destroy surrounding tissues.

 Metastasis can occur when cancer cells break away from the original tumour and establish tumour elsewhere in the body.

Causes of Cancer  Random mutations to a cell’s DNA  Carcinogens:  Viruses (e.g. HPV)  Radiation (e.g. UV rays, X-rays)

 Chemicals (e.g. alcohol,tobacco smoke,cured meats industrial chemicals

 Hereditary factors  Can increase the chances of getting cancer, but do not guarantee cancer.

Cancer Screening  Mammogram (for breast cancer)

 PAP test (for cervical cancer)

 PSA test (for prostate cancer)

Reducing the Risk of Cancer