Mayfield Publishing Company Cancer Basics  The abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells, which if left untreated, can ultimately cause death  85 million Americans will develop cancer at some time in their lives  Benign tumors: do not spread to neighboring tissues  Malignant tumors: can invade surrounding structures and spread to distant sites

Mayfield Publishing CompanyCancer _ Cells dividing uncontrollably form an initial visible mass or "primary" tumor. Once cells from the primary tumor break off, secondary tumors develop. All new secondary tumors are labeled by the type of the primary tumor. High Low

Mayfield Publishing Company Common Cancers  Lung cancer – responsible for nearly 157,000 deaths each year – 87% of cases involve tobacco smoke  Colon and rectal cancer – linked to diet and genetic predisposition  Breast cancer – most common cancer in women  Prostate cancer – most common cancer in men

Mayfield Publishing Company Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract  Cervical cancer – more than 80% of cases are sexually transmitted – Pap test used for screening  Uterine (endometrial) cancer – most often occurs after age 55  Ovarian cancer – rare and difficult to detect

Mayfield Publishing Company Skin Cancer  Caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation  3 types of skin cancer – basal cell – squamous cell – melanoma  Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing

Mayfield Publishing Company Other Cancers  Oral cancer – cancers of the lip, tongue, mouth, throat – primarily traced to smoking, spit tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption – more than twice as common in men as in women  Testicular cancer – most common cancer in men age  Bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemias, lymphomas

Mayfield Publishing Company Cancer Risk Factors  Tobacco  Diet and obesity  Sedentary lifestyle  Family history of cancer  Occupational factors  Viruses and other biological agents  Alcohol  Environmental pollution  Ultraviolet radiation

Mayfield Publishing Company Preventing Cancer  Avoid tobacco  Control diet and weight  Exercise regularly  Protect skin from sun  Avoid environmental and occupational carcinogens  Follow ACS screening guidelines