Cancer

What Is Cancer? Cancer is the second most common cause of death after heart disease Responsible for 1:4 deaths, claiming 1500 lives every day in the United States Cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells A tumor (neoplasm) is a mass of tissue that serves no physiological purpose A benign tumor is composed of cells that are enclosed, preventing them from spreading to other tissues A malignant tumor is cancerous and capable of spreading 2

Percentage of all cancer deaths linked to risk factors 3

How Cancer Spreads: Metastasis Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another They break away and can pass through: Blood vessels Lymphatic system This form of traveling can result in secondary tumors or metastases (a seeding process) 4

Common Cancers Lung Cancer A carcinogen is any substance that causes cancer Colon and Rectal Cancer Breast Cancer Prostate Cancer 5

Cancer cases by site and sex 6

Lung Cancer Lung Cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the United States The chief risk factor is smoking Accounts for 90% of lung cancer deaths It is responsible for about 157,000 deaths per year Symptoms do not usually appear until after the disease has advanced to the invasive stage Treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy 7

Colon and Rectal Cancer Also known as colorectal cancer, it is the third leading cancer death cause Age and lifestyle are risk factors Polyps, which are small growths, develop and cause bleeding from the rectum which is a strong warning sign The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that regular screening be started at age 50 Stool blood test Colonoscopy Surgery is the primary method of treatment 8

Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women Risk factors include: Genetic factors Early-onset menstruation Having no children or having the first one after age 30 Currently using HRT (hormone replacement therapy) Obesity Alcohol consumption Prevention involves lifestyle modification Detection includes: Mammograms Clinical breast exams Self breast exams Treatment is surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment 9

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and second to lung cancer in the number of cancer deaths among men Risk factors Age (strongest predictor) African American ethnicity Heredity Lifestyle factors Diet may be an important factor of preventing this cancer Detection is by a rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test Treatment includes: Surgical removal Radiation treatment 10

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract Cervical Cancer Most cases of cervical cancer stem from HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection Screenings are usually performed by pap test via a pelvic exam All sexually active women and women between ages of should be tested If abnormal cells are found, they are surgically removed HPV is usually transmitted during unprotected sex 11

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract Uterine or Endometrial Cancer This is cancer of the lining of the uterus and mostly occurs after the age of 55 Risk factors similar to those for breast cancer Usually detected by pelvic examination Treatment includes surgery possibly combined with radiation and chemotherapy 12

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract Ovarian Cancer Considered rare compared with other reproductive cancers Risk factors are similar to breast and endometrial cancer Symptoms: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary problems. Ovarian Cancer is treated by surgical removal of the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the uterus 13

Skin Cancer Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer when cases of the highly curable forms are included Primary risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation UVA = longer wavelength; damages connective tissue, leads to premature aging of the skin, causes skin cancer UVB = shorter wavelength; causes sunburn, damages eyes and immune system, causes skin cancer 14

Types of Skin Cancer There are 3 main types of skin cancer, named for the type of skin cell from where they develop Basal cell carcinoma develops in the deepest layers of the skin Squamous cell carcinoma develops on the surface layers of the skin Melanoma is a malignant tumor of the skin that arises from pigmented cells, usually a mole; is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer 15

Preventing Skin Cancer Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30+) Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, 15–30 minutes after exposure begins, and frequently Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM Check UV index Avoid tanning salons Examine your skin on a regular basis 16

The ABCD Test for Melanoma 17

Head and Neck Cancers Cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and nasal cavity Primary causes are cigarette, cigar, pipe smoking, spit tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption Males are at twice the risk than women Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are the primary treatments 18

Testicular Cancer Testicular Cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only 1% of cancers in men More common in white Americans than other ethnic groups Age Self-exams help with early detection Treatment includes: Surgical removal of tumors Chemotherapy 19

Other Cancers Pancreatic cancer Fourth leading cause of cancer deaths Bladder cancer 4 times more common in men Kidney cancer Smoking and obesity are mild risk factors Brain cancer Leukemia Cancer of WBC Lymphoma Hodgkin’s Non-Hodgkin’s 20

The Causes of Cancer The Role of DNA DNA Basics Genetics Oncogenes BRACA1 Cancer promoters Tobacco Use Dietary Factors Fat and meat Alcohol Fried foods Fiber Fruits and vegetables Inactivity and Obesity Metabolic syndrome Figure 12.5 Carcinogens in the Environment Ingested chemicals Environmental and industrial pollutants Radiation Microbes 21

Body weight and cancer mortality 22

Detecting and Treating Cancer Detecting Cancer Self-monitoring Knowing risk factors Immediate family’s cancer history Your own history Doctor routine cancer checkups Treating Cancer Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation 23

Preventing Cancer Avoid tobacco Control diet and weight Exercise Protect skin Avoid environmental and occupational carcinogens 24