What is it? How is it treated? What makes a person susceptible to it? Cancer What is it? How is it treated? What makes a person susceptible to it?

Definition A disease caused by the severe disruption of the mechanisms that normally control the cell cycle. As a result, cell division in that part of the body is uncontrolled and masses called tumors are formed.

Tumors There are two types of tumors Benign tumors – abnormal masses of cells that remain at their original location, and usually grow slow. Malignant tumors – abnormal masses of cells that displace normal tissue as they grow and spread beyond their original location. Very rapid growth We call this movement from the original location metastasis.

Categories Although there are over 100 types of cancer, they can be grouped in 3 major categories: Carcinomas (the most common) – begin in tissues that cover a surface or line a body cavity. Sarcomas - begin in tissue that connects, supports or surrounds other tissues and organs. Leukemias - involve blood-forming tissues and blood cells.

Diagnosis Blood tests (CBC, BUN) Tumor markers PSA – prostate cancer CA 125 – ovarian cancer CAE – colorectal cancer Biopsy (removal of a section of tumor tissue for examination by a pathologist)

Treatment Options Surgery – operation or procedure to remove a tumor from the body.

Treatment Options Chemotherapy - This is the general term for the use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from dividing. The chemical agents interrupt the cell cycle before mitosis can begin. Chemotherapy works by destroying cancer cells; unfortunately, it cannot tell the difference between a cancer cell and some healthy cells. Because of this, chemotherapy kills not only the fast-growing cancer cells but also other fast-growing cells in your body, including hair and blood cells.

Treatment Options Chemotherapy

Treatment Options Radiation: the use of electromagnetic waves (called ionizing radiation) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy injures or destroys cells in the area being treated by damaging their DNA, making it impossible for these cells to continue to grow and divide. Although radiation damages both cancer cells and normal cells, most normal cells can recover from the effects of radiation and function properly.

Treatment Options Radiation

Treatment Options More recent, innovative techniques… Cryotherapy Hormone therapy Clinical trials for new medications Gene therapy Hyperthermia Bio-therapy

Susceptibility Known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents): Growing older Tobacco use Sunlight Family history of cancer Bacteria and viruses HPV (cervical cancer) Hepatitis B and C (liver cancer Alcohol Poor diet and lack of physical activity

Need more information www.cancer.org www.cancer.gov