Cancer Study Guide/Notes
Vocab:
Cancer –
1. A disease characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
2. Can affect people of any age.
3. 1 of every 4 deaths in the U.S. is caused by cancer.
Tumor – a mass of abnormal cells
Benign Tumor – a tumor that is NOT cancerous.
Malignant Tumor – a tumor that IS cancerous.
Metastasis – when cells from a malignant tumor break away through the blood or lymph to other parts
of the body. (Cancer moves from one part of the body to another.
Q: What are some common types of cancer? (Project page 485)
Skin
Breast
Lung
Reproductive System
Lymphoma
Colon and Rectal (Colorectal)
Leukemia
Q: What causes cancer?
Heredity (5-10 percent of cancers are hereditary according to the Am. Can. Soc.)
Lifestyle Behaviors – Exposure to too much sunlight, Tobacco Use, Alcohol Use, Drug Use, Poor
Nutrition, Lack of Exercise, etc.
Carcinogens (substances that cause cancer such as tobacco, radiation, various chemicals such as
asbestos and possibly BPA –Bisphenol A, air and water pollution.
Q: What are the warning signs of cancer?
C – Change is bowel and bladder habits (colorectal or prostate)
A – A sore that does not heal (skin or oral – mouth)
U – Unusual Bleeding or Discharge (uterine, kidney, or bladder)
T – Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere (all lumps should be checked)
I – Indigestion or difficulty swallowing (Esophagus or Stomach)
O – Obvious change in mole or wart (ABCD’s of melanoma) ABCDE's
N – Nagging cough or hoarseness (lung cancer)
ABCDE’s: (Specific to Melanoma – Skin Cancer)
Asymmetry - One half doesn't match the appearance of the other half
Border Irregularity - The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred
Color - The color (pigmentation) is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red,
white, and blue add to a mottled appearance.
Diameter - The size of the mole is greater than 1/4 inch (6 mm), about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth
of a mole should be evaluated
Evolution - There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially
bleeding), or color of a mole.
Q: How is cancer diagnosed?
Biopsy, Ultrasounds, MRI, CAT Scans.
This also allows the doctor to stage the disease and how far it has spread.
This then allows for the best treatment.
Q: How is cancer treated: (Many treatments are used in combination)
Surgery (Remove Cells)
Radiation Therapy (Direct Radiation to cells)
Chemotherapy (Use of chemicals)
Immunotherapy (stimulation of the immune system)
Hormone Therapy (can destroy or slow growth of cells)
Q: How can cancer be prevented?
Eat nutritiously
Be Physically Active
Limit Sun Exposure
Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol, and other drugs.
Early detection (annual screenings, self-examinations)