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Definition: Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in a part of the body. Main Concept: Although t here are many kinds of cancer, they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.

Characteristic #1: Mutation Cancer cells develop because of mutations (damage to DNA). Most of the time when DNA becomes damaged the body is able to repair it. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired. People can inherit damaged DNA, which accounts for inherited cancers. More often, though, a person's DNA becomes damaged by exposure to something in the environment, like smoking.

Characteristic #2: Metastasis Often, cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. Once in another part of the body they begin to grow and replace normal tissue. This process is called metastasis.

Characteristic #3: Undifferentiated Cancer cells are immature or "primitive". They do not look or act like the cells in the tissue from which they arose

Characteristic #4: Lack Cell Cycle Signals Cancer cells have mutations in the genes that control the cell cycle. Some of these genes tell the cell cycle to proceed, in other words they are "go" genes like the accelerator in your car. Some of these genes tell the cell cycle to stop (gene p53) when the cell is done dividing and no more cells are needed. They are like the brake on your car. If either of these are mutated, it causes the cell cycle to go too fast, like having your accelerator stuck to the floor or losing your brakes. So the cancer cells divide too fast and pile up in one area, this is called a tumor.

What are some treatments of cancer you have heard of? What are some side effects from treatment?

Treatment #1: Surgery Surgery is the oldest form of cancer treatment. Surgery offers the greatest chance for cure for many types of cancer, especially those that have not spread to other parts of the body. Most people with cancer will have some type of surgery.

Treatment #2: Radiation Cancer cells reproduce faster than normal cells in the body. Radiation therapy targets these rapidly dividing cells. The radiation reacts with water in the cells and this reaction damages the DNA or genetic material in the cell that controls cell growth. Normally, cells can repair themselves and continue growing. But since cancer cells can't repair themselves as easily, they die. Although normal cells are also affected, they repair themselves more effectively.

Treatment #3: Chemotherapy Chemotherapy damages the genes inside the nucleus of cells. Some drugs damage cells at the point of splitting. Some damage them while they are busy making copies of all their genes before they split. Cells that are at rest (most normal cells, for instance) are much less likely to be damaged by chemo

1. What are some side effects from treatment?

What is normal female fertility, and how is it affected by cancer treatment?

What is normal male fertility, and how is it affected by cancer treatment?

2. Explain how cancer treatment affects a female’s and a male’s reproductive system? Similarities? Differences?

3. What fertility preservation options are available for men and women before undergoing cancer treatment?

What fertility preservation options are available for 9-year-old Jen?