Cancer

Question 1

Normal cyclic clock:

Answer 1

normal mitosis, cell growth and death

Question 2

Cell death is known as…

Answer 2

Apoptosis

Question 3

Out of control cyclic clock:

Answer 3

Cancer, wild out of control mitosis, destroys everything in its path including healthy tissues

Question 4

Cancer is due to…

Answer 4

mutations in the genetic material of cells

Question 5

What do these mutations cause?

Answer 5

1. Irregular cell cycles
2. Rapidly dividing cells (mitosis)

Question 6

What 3 things can cancer be caused by?

Answer 6

1. Chronic infections - hepatitis/hpv
2. Genetic factors - cancer inherited
3. Carcinogens - X rays, nuclear radiation and environment by pollution

Question 7

What are tumours?

Answer 7

Abnormal masses of tissue

Question 8

Name the 2 types of tumours and their differences:

Answer 8

Benign - does not spread, not life threatening
Malignant - spreads throughout body invading healthy tissues, life threatening

Question 9

The 3 main groups of cancer:

Answer 9

1. Leukaemias:
   blood, lymphatic and nervous system
2. Carcinomas:
   skin, lungs, intestines
3. Sarcomas:
   connecting tissue, bone, muscles

Question 10

Unusual features of cancer cells:

Answer 10

1. steal nutrients from normal cells
2. abnormal surface - cells can travel
3. divides indefinitely
4. unusual chromosome number

Question 11

Secondary cancers are caused by malignant tumours that invade other tissue and this is called…

Answer 11

Metastatis

Question 12

Explain Metastatis in 4 steps:

Answer 12

1. Cancer starts as Carcinoma in Situ (confined to one area)
2. Grows and invades other surrounding tissue (malignant)
3. Cells from tumour break off and “escape” and are carried by the blood and lymphatic system to all parts of the body
4. Enter new tissue creating new tumours = Metastatis

Question 13

3 ways to treat cancer:

Answer 13

1. Surgery - the tumour is surgically removed. Combined with either radiation therapy or chemotherapy
2. Radiation - external high energy rays, x-rays, radiation directed at cancerous cells. Kills normal healthy tissue as well
3. Chemotherapy - drug therapy containing chemicals that kills rapidly dividing cells. Kills normal healthy cells as well. Can be done with IV, tablets or injections

Question 14

Why do doctors recommend regular screening?

Answer 14

Early detection means the patient has a higher chance of survival

Question 15

2 methods of prevention of cancer:

Answer 15

1. live a healthy lifestyle
2. have symptoms checked if concerned