Cancer Lesson 3

A disease characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells Can affect anyone 1 in 4 deaths

A mass of abnormal cells Benign tumor Tumors A mass of abnormal cells Benign tumor A tumor that is not cancerous Malignant tumor A tumor that is cancerous

Cells from a malignant tumor can break away and move through the blood or lymph to other parts of the body Metastasis The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another

Types Some cancers are detected earlier than others due to routine screenings Ex. Breast cancer Pg 485 figure 18.5

causes Heredity Lifestyle behaviors Exposure to carcinogens Substances that cause cancer Tobacco – any Radiation- x –ray Construction/manufacturing chemicals asbestos/benzene Air/water pollution- industrial waste

Warning Signs The earlier cancer is discovered and treated, the better the chance of success. Pg. 486 figure 18.6

The most common cancers in adolescents Lymphomas (Hodgkin /non-Hodgkin lymphoma) ◾ Leukemia ◾ Thyroid cancer ◾ Brain and spinal cord tumors ◾ Testicular cancer ◾ Bone tumors (osteosarcoma and Ewing tumors) ◾ Soft tissue tumors (sarcomas) ◾ Melanoma ◾ Ovarian cancer

Therapy Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation Immunotherapy Hormone Therapy can be used against cancers that spread Radiation Immunotherapy Stimulates immune system to fight cancer, usually combined with another treatment Hormone Therapy Hormone or meds that interfere with production

Biopsy Remission Recurrence The removal of a tissue sample to see whether cancer cells are present Remission When cancer signs and symptoms disappear Recurrence The return of cancer after remission

Prevention Physical Activity Limit sun exposure Avoid tobacco/alcohol Mammograms An X-ray of the breast used to screen for breast cancer