Cancer: Prevention & Risks

Question 1

tumors whose cells do not spread to other parts of the body

Answer 1

benign tumor

Question 2

unregulated multiplication of cells in the body

Answer 2

cancer

Question 3

tumors whose cells spread throughout the body

Answer 3

malignant tumor

Question 4

the process by which cancer cells spread throughout the body

Answer 4

metastasis

Question 5

a physician who specializes in the causes of diseases

Answer 5

pathologist

Question 6

a mass of abnormal cells

Answer 6

tumor

Question 7

removal of cells from a tumor for examination under microscope

Answer 7

biopsy

Question 8

gene responsible for familial breast cancer and genes that cause susceptibility to colorectal cancer; increases the risk of a person developing cancer in his or her lifetime

Answer 8

cancer susceptibility gene

Question 9

a branch of science that studies the causes and frequencies of diseases in human populations

Answer 9

epidemiology

Question 10

radiation, such as X-rays, that can damage cells and cause cancer; also used to treat cancer

Answer 10

ionizing radiation

Question 11

permanent changes in the genetic information in a cell; only mutations in sperm and egg are inherited

Answer 11

mutations

Question 12

a chemical that damages cells and causes cancer

Answer 12

chemical carcinogen

Question 13

a form of lung cancer causes by asbestos

Answer 13

mesothelioma

Question 14

viruses that infect cells, change their growth properties, can cause cancer

Answer 14

tumor viruses

Question 15

environmental chemicals that mimic the effects of natural estrogen; may cause cancer

Answer 15

xenoestrogens

Question 16

x-ray picture used to detect tumors in the breast

Answer 16

mammogram

Question 17

a form of skin cancer that usually can be removed surgically

Answer 17

basal cell carcinoma

Question 18

a particularly dangerous form of skin cancer

Answer 18

melanoma

Question 19

a blood test that detects a protein associated with abnormal growth of a prostate gland

Answer 19

prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

Question 20

cancer of the top layer of skin; most are curable if removed early

Answer 20

squamous cell carcinoma

Question 21

use of toxic chemicals to kill cancer cells and treat some forms of cancer

Answer 21

chemotherapy

Question 22

medically enhancing the body’s immune system to fight cancer

Answer 22

immunotherapy

Question 23

use of high-energy radiation, such as x-rays, to kill cancer cells and treat some forms of cancer

Answer 23

radiation therapy

Question 24

a daily supplement of these nutrients has been shown o reduce cancer (mainly stomach and esophagus cancer) in a large Chinese population. But be careful, and use supplements in moderation; some supplements are toxic in high doses

Answer 24

vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium

Question 25

These foods are called cruciferous vegetables. Scientists think that the phytochemical in these vegetables may detoxify cancer-causing chemicals. The advise is to eat more of them, and preferably to eat them raw or undercooked.

Answer 25

Cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts

Question 26

A deficiency in this nutrient increases genetic damage that may contribute to cancer. It i found in dark green leafy vegetables.

Answer 26

folic acid

Question 27

These foods are called allium vegetables. They sulfur-containing chemicals in allium vegetables may help prevent cancer, so the advise is to eat more of them.

Answer 27

garlic, onions, chives

Question 28

This food has been shown to reduce esophageal cancer in the Chinese population. Drink it instead of black tea or coffee.

Answer 28

green tea

Question 29

Extracts of this food have been shown to reduce tumors in laboratory animals and reduce blood cholesterol. Try to add this to your diet.

Answer 29

Shitake mushrooms

Question 30

This nutrient from food helps decrease colon and rectal cancer. The best way to obtain it is from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Answer 30

fiber

Question 31

Cancers are classified according to the organ or kind tissue in which the tumor originates. The four major categories of cancer are:

Answer 31

carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, and lymphomas

Question 32

Cancer that originates in the lymph glands, bone marrow, or organs that form blood cells, and results from the overproduction of immature white blood cells

Answer 32

Leukemia

Question 33

Cancer that originates from epithelial tissues such as skin, membranes around glands, nerves, breasts, and limits of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts

Answer 33

Carcinoma

Question 34

Cancer originating from connective tissue, such as bone, muscle, fat, and blood vessels

Answer 34

Sarcoma

Question 35

A class of cancer that involves abnormal production of white blood cells by the spleen and lymph

Answer 35

Lymphoma