1. Genetic Damage and Mutation

2. Cancer cells differ from normal cells
Cancer results from the accumulation of genetic damage to cells across time***
Cancer cells differ from normal cells
Their shape and appearance is different.****
There are changes in their dependence on growth factors
There is a multitude of biochemical differences

4. Cancer is a multi-step process, which explains:
Increased incidence of cancer with age***
Development of cancer can be decades after exposure to carcinogens *****
Increased incidence of cancer among people with inherited dispositions

5. Knowledge to improve personal and public health
Good choices can reduce an individual’s risk of developing cancer
Levels of cancer prevention:
Individual behavior changes
Health care providers – counseling and screening
National level – government regulations to minimize public exposure to known carcinogens
International level – actions of developed countries bring cancer treatment worldwide

6. Risk factors for skin cancer
Excessive exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation
Fair complexion
Occupational exposure to substances
Coal tar
Creosote
Arsenic compounds
Radium

7. Good choices can improve an individual’s chance of survival if he/she develops cancer
There is improved detection
There is improved treatment
Ethical values sometimes conflict in public policy debates about strategies for reducing the risk of cancer

8. Ethics is a process of rational inquiry
Ethics requires a solid foundation of information and careful interpretation of that information
There are often competing, well-reasoned answers to what is right and wrong, or good or bad

9. Questions
What is the relationship between exposure to carcinogens and the development of cancer?
Answer: Cancer can develop decades after exposure to carcinogens.
What is actually happening in a person’s lungs when the person develops cancer?
Answer: the cancer cells multiply rapidly, taking up space and nutrients from the normal cells.

10. When a physician looks at cells under the microscope, how can she tell if the cells are cancer cells?
Answer: By the appearance changes
If children wear protective headwear and clothing when outside during peak hours of UV exposure, what would be the result?
Answer: Most skin cancers would be prevented.

11. Some people inherit a disposition to develop cancer
Some people inherit a disposition to develop cancer. What does that mean?
Answer: They are more likely to develop cancer than the general population.
The best example of a government regulation that would minimize exposure to carcinogens would be:
Answer: Banning cigarette smoking in public places.

12. In normal cell growth, what regulates the cell growth cycle?
Answer: Genes
Cancer results from what type of damage to cells over time?
Answer: Genetic
The development of cancer most likely occurs due to:
Answer: multiple exposures over time.

13. How do healthcare providers participate in cancer prevention?
Answer: they routinely perform cancer screening.
Why is overexposure to the sun a risk factor in the development of skin cancer?
Answer: ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells.
Coal tar and radium are both examples of:
Answer: known carcinogens.