Cancer causes & types

all about cancer

1. T H E B A S I C S
Chapter 13
Cancer: Reducing Your Risk

2. Introduction
•The last 50 years has seen a better
understanding of the causes and treatments of
cancer. Hence, the stigma, early detection and
technology has improved the prognosis of
cancer patients to an unprecedented level.

3. Cancer Statistics
•553,400 Americans died of cancer 2001
•1.3 million new cases diagnosed
•1 in 4 deaths from cancer
•Early detection/improvements in technology have
improved prognosis for many
•What do you think are the contributing factors to the
incidence of cancer in the U.S. today?

4. Healthy Cells
•Cells represent the
smallest, functional unit of
our existence which
contains cytoplasm and a
nucleus (i.e. metabolism,
reproduction, day to day
functions)
•Cells have a specialized
function depending on
their location in the body.
•Cells grow, replicate and
repair body organs.
•The genetic material
(DNA/RNA) and your
immune system regulate
this process.

5. Different Types of Cells
•Blood cells
•Muscle cells (smooth,
striated, cardiac)
•Nerve cells
•Bone cells
•Cartilage cells
•Liver (hepa) cells

6. Define Cancer
•Cancer is a term used to describe a large group
of diseases that are characterized by a cellular
malfunction. Healthy cells are programmed to
“know what to do and when to do it”. Cancerous
cells do not have this programming and therefore
grow and replicate out of control. They also serve
no physiological function. These cells are now
termed a neoplasm.

7. This neoplasmic mass often forms
a clumping of cells known as a
tumor.

8. Tumors
•Benign Tumors
(noncancerous)
•Enclosed in a fibrous
shell or capsule.
•Take up space
•Concerned if they
interfere with
surrounding tissues or
vessels or impede the
function of the body.
•Malignant Tumors
(cancerous)
•Not usually contained –
metastasis
•Invade and emit clawlike
protrusions that disrupt
the RNA and DNA of
normal cells (these
cancerous cells act like
a virus).

9. Risk Factors (multi-factorial(
•Exposure to Cancer-causing agents
•Cellular Mutations (what agents cause this?
Environment & Lifestyle agents)
•Genetics & Hormone exposure (i.e. breast
cancer)
•Occupation and Environment Factors
•Social and Psychological Factors
•Chemicals in Food
•Viral (i.e. herpes, HPV, mononucleosis) create
an opportunistic environment
•Medical Factors

10. Types of Cancer
•Classifications of Cancer
–Carcinomas
–Sarcomas
–Lymphomas
–Leukemias
•Lung Cancer
–Killed 164,000 in 2000
–Prevention-researchers theorize: 90% of all lung cancers could
be avoided by not smoking

11. Gas Exchange in Your Lungs

13. Lung and Bronchus Cancer (Invasive),
1975-2002 (CDC(

14. Lung and Bronchus Cancer for U.S.
Males, 1992-2002

15. Lung and Bronchus Cancer for U.S.
Females, 1992-2002

16. Ten Leading Causes of Death for
Males, 2002 (CDC(

17. Ten Leading Causes of Death for
Females, 2002 (CDC(

18. An Overview of Cancer
•Variations in Rates
–Rates have large variations among populations
–444.6 per 100,000 African Americans
–402.1 per 100,000 Whites
–272.4 per 100,000 Hispanics
–279.3 per 100,000 Asian Pacific Islanders
–152.8 per 100,000 Native Americans

19. An Overview of Cancer
•What is Cancer?
–Uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells
–Neoplasms
–Malignant tumors
–Benign tumors

20. An Overview of Cancer
•Cellular Change/Mutation Theories
–Spontaneous errors
–External agents
–Oncogenes
•Risks for Cancer-Lifestyle
–Smoking among greatest
–Nutrition/exercise

21. Factors Believed to Contribute to Global
Causes of Cancer
Figure 13.1

22. What Causes Cancer?
•Biological Factors
–Genetic predisposition
–Reproductive and hormonal risks

23. What Causes Cancer?
•Occupational and Environmental Factors
–Asbestos, nickel, chromate
–Radioactive substances
•Social and Psychological Factors
–Stress
–Decrease negative emotions

24. What Causes Cancer?
•Chemicals in Food
–Sodium nitrate
–Clostridium botulism
•Viral Factors
–Herpes-related virus and human papillomavirus
•Medical Factors
–Diethylstibestrol (DES)
–Chemotherapy

25. Table 13.1

26. Types of Cancer
•Breast Cancer
–One in 8 women
–Risk increases with age
–Risk factors supported by research
–Prevention (self-exam and mammography)
–See figure 13.3 for self-examination procedure
–Treatment

27. Types of Cancer
•Colon and Rectum Cancer
–3
rd
most common in men and women
–135,400 in 2001 diagnosed
–Warning signals, e.g. blood in the stool, rectal bleeding
•Prostate Cancer
–Most common in males today
–189,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2002
–Estimated 30,200 men will die

28. Types of Cancer
•Skin Cancer: Sun Bathers Beware
–1.3 million cases of skin cancer
–Treatable: basal or squamous
–Virulent: malignant melanoma
–ABCD rule about melanoma
•What are some ideas about the use of sunscreen?

29. Types of Cancer
•Testicular Cancer
–Ages 17-34 at greatest risk
–Cause is unknown
–Undescended testicles present a great risk
–How and when should men examine their testicles?
(see Figure 13.4)

30. Types of Cancer
•Ovarian Cancer
–4
th
leading cause of death in young women
–Enlargement of abdomen common sign
–Prevention: annual pelvic exams
•Endometrium (Uterine) Cancer
–Pap test for early detection
–Risk: early onset of intercourse
–Warning: abnormal bleeding

31. Types of Cancer
•Cancer of the Pancreas
–“Silent” disease
–29,700 cases in 2002
–Only 4% survive
–Contributors: inflammation, diabetes, high-fat diet

32. Types of Cancer
•Leukemia
–Cancer of blood-forming tissues
–Leads to the creation of immature white blood cells
–Symptoms: fatigue / paleness / weight loss
–Can be acute or chronic

33. Facing Cancer
•Detecting Cancer
–Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
–Computerized Axial Tomography scanning (CAT scan)
–Prostatic ultrasound (rectal probe)
–Self-exam and check-ups

34. Table 13.3

35. Facing Cancer
•New Hope in Cancer Treatments
–Surgery to remove tumor
–Chemotherapy
–Researching genes and cell mutations

36. Facing Cancer
•Talking with Your Doctor about Cancer
–Ask questions about type, treatment, clinical trials
–Ask about surgery
–Ask why one treatment is preferred
–Get all your options

37. Facing Cancer
•Life After Cancer
–Laws reduce insurance discrimination
–Less isolation
–Assistance is available
–Support groups