9

Consumer
Chemistr
y
Quarter 4 – Module 3:
Cancer and Carcinogens

Mandaue City Comprehensive

National High School
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the difference between cancer from carcinogen. The scope of this
module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language
used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read
them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This learning module is aligned with the learning competency:

● differentiate cancer from carcinogens

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define cancer cell and identify the types of cancer cell based on the location
of the organ or tissue of origin;
2. classify the types of carcinogens according to its level of carcinogenicity;
3. enumerate the tools for finding or diagnosing cancer cells; and
4. discuss the difference between cancer cells and carcinogens.

What I Know

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Who is the expert in treating cancer?

a. cancer survivor c. oncologist
b. influencer d. orthodontist

2. Which of the following sentences is TRUE about cancer?

a. All types of tumor are cancerous.
b. Cancer can spread to other tissues and organs near the benign tumor.
c. Carcinoma originates in the skin or tissue within organs and glands that
protect the surface.
d. People older than 55 years of age are less likely to develop cancer
compared to other age groups.
3. Which of the following sentences is TRUE about tumor?
a. All tumors are cancerous.
b. Tumors that are benign are not cancerous.
c. Malignant and benign tumors are not cancerous.
d. Malignant tumor is life threatening similarly with benign tumor.

4. What is the similarity between breast cancer and lung cancer?

a. Both breast and lung cancers are carcinoma.
b. Both breast and lung cancers affect the same organ.
c. Both breast and lung cancers are diagnosed using x-ray and ultrasound.
d. Both breast and lung cancers can be surgically removed without harming
the body.

5. Which lifestyle can lessen the chance of getting cancer?

a. Poor eating and sleeping habits.
b. Occasional smoking and drinking alcohol.
c. Maintaining a healthy body weight and staying active.
d. Sun exposure activities such as mountain climbing and surfing.

6. What is a chemical or physical agent that has the potential to cause cancer?
a. carcinogens c. carcinoma
b. cocarcinogens d. sarcoma

7. Which classification of carcinogens do potato fries and fried chicken belong?

a. Group 1 c. Group 2B
b. Group 2A d. Group 3

8. What are the chemicals that do not cause cancer unless they are changed
and metabolized?
a. direct acting carcinogens c. cocarcinogens
b. indirect acting carcinogens d. procarcinogens

9. What is the tool used to diagnose cancer cells in the entire colon of a
patient?
a. biopsy c. sigmoidoscopy
b. colonoscopy d. ultrasound

10. Which of these types of radiation do not cause cancer?

a. gamma rays c. radon
b. visible light d. x-rays
Lesson
Cancer and Carcinogens
1
What’s In

Direction: Carefully read the medicine label below and the answer the questions
below.

1. What is the name of the Pharmacy?

2. How many tablets are there in the box?

3. How many tablets should be taken each time?

4. How often should the medicine be taken?

5. Can the medicine be taken on an empty stomach?

6. Can the medicine be taken with juice?

7. Where the medicine should be kept?

8. When should the medicine be taken?

9. What is the warning?

10. When was the medicine given to the patient?

 What’s New

October is the month of recognizing Breast Cancer

Awareness and celebrated under the slogan 'Giving Hope. Lives
Save.’ Men and women locally are encouraged to display
support for survivors of breast cancer and those fighting the
disease by wearing pink ribbons or clothes. As stated by Dr.
Felycette Gay Lapus, President of the Philippine Society of
Medical Oncology, breast cancer has the lowest survival rate
among 15 Asian countries, exceeding lung cancer as the most
prevalent type of cancer in the Philippines. Pink Ribbon represents the
awareness for breast cancer

Direction: Answer the following questions:

1. What do pink ribbons mean during the month of October?

2. What do you think is the purpose of recognizing October as Breast Cancer

Awareness Month?
3. Who are likely to have breast cancer?
4. Why do you think doctors and influential personalities try to educate Filipinos
about cancer?

5. As a student, how can you show support activities that are geared towards
Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
 What is It

Cancer
The root of the word cancer is traced back to the Greek doctor Hippocrates
(460-370 BC), who is considered the "Father of Medicine." To identify non-ulcer-
forming and ulcer-forming tumors, Hippocrates used the words carcinos and
carcinoma. In Greek, these phrases refer to a crab, most likely related to the disease
because the cancer's finger-like projections brought the shape of a crab to mind.
Celsus (28-50 BC), the Roman physician, later turned the Greek term into cancer,
the Latin word for crab. The word oncos (Greek for swelling) was used to describe
tumors by Galen (130-200 AD), another Greek physician. Although the crab
comparison of Hippocrates and Celsus is still used to identify malignant tumors,
the word of Galen is often used as part of the name of oncologists for cancer
specialists.
Cancer is a family of over 100 distinct diseases. Almost anywhere in the
body, it can develop. Cancer starts when this orderly process is messed with by
genetic changes also known as genetic mutation. When it expands rapidly and
uncontrollably, a cell becomes cancerous. This process contributes to the
development of tumors in most cancers. An irregular growth of tissue resulting
from uncontrolled growth of cells is a tumor.
Tumors are either malignant or benign. Tumors that are benign are not
cancerous. There is no spread of cancerous cells from benign tumors to other areas
of the body. Normally, benign tumors are not life-threatening. Malignant Tumors
are cancerous. Cancer can spread close to the tumor to other tissues and organs.
They can also spread to other sites in the body through the bloodstream or
lymphatic system. This spreading is called metastasis.

In cells, damage to DNA can lead to cancer. Cells can also repair DNA
damage, however. The cells can die if the damage is severe. Unrepaired damage to
DNA can lead to gene mutations or changes, and mutations can cause cancer in
some genes. You will inherit mutations as well. Since cancer has a long latency
time, it is difficult to establish which exposure, if any, could have contributed to a
mutation. Therefore we know very little about specific causes of cancers. Because
of early detection and timely and more successful care, more individuals survive
cancer. Some breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers may be detected early when
screening tests are carried out on a regular basis, when treatment may function
best.

Types of Cancer Examples

- prostate cancer
Carcinoma originates in the skin or the tissue - breast cancer
that covers the surface of internal organs and - lung cancer
glands. Carcinomas could form solid tumors. - colorectal cancer
(colon or the rectum)
- Gastrointestinal stromal
Sarcoma starts in the tissues that support and
tumors
connect the body. A sarcoma can develop in fat,
(stomach and small intestine)
muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels,
- Osteosarcoma
lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone.
(bones)
- Lymphocytic leukemia
(lymphocytes)
Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming - Myelogenous (my-uh-LOHJ- uh-
tissues, including the bone marrow and the nus) leukemia (Myeloid cells give
lymphatic system. rise to red blood cells, white
blood cells and platelet-
producing cells)
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system,
- Hodgkin's
which is part of the body's germ-fighting
lymphoma
network. The lymphatic system includes the
(formerly called Hodgkin's
lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus
disease)
gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect
- Non-Hodgkin's
all those areas as well as other organs
lymphoma
throughout the body
Myeloma is a type of bone marrow cancer. Bone - Solitary Plasmacytoma
marrow is the spongy tissue at the centre of (plasma cells)
some bones that produces the body's blood cells. - Extramedullary
It is also called multiple myeloma as the cancer Plasmacytoma
often affects several areas of the body, such as (throat, sinuses, nose and
the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs. larynx)

It has reported more than 200 forms of cancer. Many risk factors can
contribute to the chance of having cancer, such as age, genetics, or lifestyle
choices. Typically, cancer is not caused by just one risk factor, but by many of
them. The more risk factors you have, the greater the risk that you will get cancer.
The most important risk factors are:

• Age: Although people of all ages can get cancer, older people are at
greater risk.
• Genetics: The history of the family will put you at risk for cancer. You
could be more at risk for that form of cancer if you or anyone in the
family had a similar type of cancer. For certain cancers, such as breast
cancer and colon cancer, genetics plays a major part.
• Behaviors: Tobacco use and exposure to the sun or other sources of UV
radiation are risk factors for cancer. Other lifestyle choices that might
affect the chances of getting cancer include a poor diet, lack of exercise,
or heavy drinking.
• Viruses or bacteria: There is a virus or bacteria that trigger certain
cancers. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer,
hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer, and the Epstein-
Barr virus, which can cause a form of lymphoma, are several cancer
associated viruses. Likewise, the Helicobacter pylori can cause gastric
cancer.
• Exposure to chemicals: As we have discussed, being exposed to
chemicals may also be a risk factor.
• Radiation of certain wavelengths, called ionizing radiation, has enough
energy to damage DNA and cause cancer. Ionizing radiation includes
radon, x-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of high-energy radiation.
Lower-energy, non-ionizing forms of radiation, such as visible light and
the energy from cell phones, have not been found to cause cancer in
people. UV rays can also damage the DNA in our skin cells and lead to
skin cancer.

Carcinogens

In the late 1700s, an early connection between cancer and a chemical was
discovered. An English doctor noted that due to exposure to soot, which contains
chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a significant number of
chimney sweeps had cancer of the scrotum. Many more chemicals have been
recognized as proven or suspected causes of cancer since then.

The known cancer-causing compounds are called carcinogens. It does not

mean you are going to get cancer if you come into touch with a carcinogen. It
depends on what you have been exposed to, how much you have been exposed,
and, among other aspects, how often you have been exposed with. Increasing the
risk of developing particular cancer types is related with certain carcinogenic
agents.
Table 1: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Standard
classification of carcinogens

Group What does it mean? What does it include?

128 agents such as smoking,
Group 1 Sufficient evidence of
exposure to solar radiation, alcoholic
Carcinogenic carcinogenicity
beverages and processed meats.
Limited evidence of
carcinogenicity in
humans Emission from high temperature –
Group 2A Probably
and sufficient eviden frying, steroids, exposures working in
carcinogenic
ce of carcinogenicity hairdressing and red meat.
in experimental
animals
Limited evidence of
carcinogenicity in
humans and less
285 agents such as Coffee, gasolines
Group 2B Possibly than sufficient
and gasoline engine exhaust, welding
carcinogenic evidence of
fumes and pickled vegetables
carcinogenicity in
experimental
animals
Evidence of
carcinogenicity
Group 3 is inadequate in
505 agents such as Tea, Static
Carcinogenicity humans
magnetic fields, fluorescent lighting,
Not classifiable and inadequate or li
polyethene
mited in
experimental
animals
Group 4 Evidence suggest no Only one (1) chemical ever placed in
Probably not carcinogenicity in this group of all substances assessed
carcinogenic experimental humans : Caprolactam which is used in the
or animals manufacture of synthetic fibres.

The human body, including those that may contribute to cancer, has
defenses to protect against all kinds of harmful exposures. It also goes through a
phase when something enters the body, which helps the body to use or get rid of it
more quickly. This process is called metabolism. Depending on how a chemical is
processed, or metabolized, in the body, three types of carcinogens exist:
• Chemicals that can cause cancer (direct acting carcinogens),
• Chemicals that do not cause cancer unless they are changed when they
are metabolized (procarcinogens), and
• Chemicals that do not cause cancer by themselves but can act with
another chemical to cause cancer (cocarcinogens).
Tools for finding or diagnosing cancer include:

• Biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from the body in order to examine it

more closely. A doctor should recommend a biopsy when an initial test
suggests an area of tissue in the body isn't normal;
• Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of
the body. It is used to help diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and
infection in the body's internal organs and to examine a baby in pregnant
women and the brain and hips in infants. It's also used to help guide
biopsies, diagnose heart conditions, and assess damage after a heart
attack. Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing
radiation;
• X-ray (radiograph) is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians
diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves
exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce
pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most
frequently used form of medical imaging;
• Mammography is specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-
ray system to see inside the breasts. A mammography exam, called a
mammogram, aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases
in women;
• Pap smear also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer
in women;
• HPV DNA tests, which look for DNA from cancer-causing HPV types in
cervical cells;
• Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), which check for blood in the stool;
sigmoidoscopy, which examines the lower colon; and colonoscopy, which
examines the entire colon;
• Computed tomography (CT)—the use of x-rays to produce a cross-
sectional picture of body parts; and
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—the use of magnetic fields and radio
waves to show changes in soft tissues without the use of x-rays.
• Ultrasound, X-ray, CT, and MRI are all painless and non-invasive;
however, having too many CTs or x-rays can increase the risk of
developing cancer because they expose you to radiation. In most
cases the benefits outweigh the risks. Some people choose to do self-
exams, such as feeling around their breasts or testicles for new
lumps or looking over their skin. Talk to your doctor if you notice
anything unusual.
 What’s More

Activity 1

Directions: Select five (5) parts of the body that can be the origin of the cancer.
Identify the type of cancer that can be developed in that part.

Parts of the body Type of cancer

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Guide Questions
1. What is the type of cancer that originates in the skin or the tissues of the
internal organs?
2. Where does sarcoma develop?
3. What is leukemia?
4. What is the cancer that begins in the lymphatic system?
5. What type of cancer originates from the bone marrow?
Activity 2

Directions: Classify the following carcinogens according to its carcinogenicity. Write

the correct answer in the box.

- traffic - donuts - milk tea

- ice coffee - potato fries - gamma rays
- fluorescent lamp - spam fried rice - playing e-games
- kimchi and atchara - smoking cigarettes - crispy chicken skin

Guide Questions

1. Which of the following groups of carcinogens is 100% carcinogenic? Why?

2. What are the carcinogens that have limited evidence of carcinogenicity in
humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals?
3. a. What is found at the right end of the diagram?
b. How does it relate to carcinogens?
4. What are the different ways to reduce carcinogens in meals?
5. What happens to the body when you eat fried foods and processed meat every
day?
Activity 3

Direction: Read Janet's Cancer Survivor Story.

In 2013, when I was 54 and thought I was pretty much through
menopause, I started having unusual sporadic bleeding in the form of mini periods
that happened every few weeks for about three months. I thought it was just
another part of menopause and when it stopped, I forgot about it. I was in good
health and didn’t have any pain, so I didn’t think there was anything to worry
about.
At the end of that year, I saw my gynecologist for my regular Pap test
and, almost as an afterthought, mentioned the bleeding. She looked at me with
concern and said, “Bleeding is unusual for someone at your age. Let’s find out
what’s going on.” She immediately ordered an ultrasound. As soon I got home from
the test, my husband told me the doctor had already called. I called her back and
that’s when I found out there was a five-centimeter mass on my right ovary. The
next step was to get a better picture of it with an MRI. Once that was done, we still
didn’t know if the tumor was benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer), so a
procedure was scheduled for early February 2014 to remove the ovary and biopsy
it. At this point, my gynecologist explained to me that while I was under
anesthesia, a pathologist would examine the tumor and if it was malignant, she
would perform a total hysterectomy with the assistance of a surgical oncologist. I
tried to reassure myself that there was no history of cancer in my family, that the
tumor was probably benign and that everything would be fine. The surgery went
well, but unfortunately the tumor was cancer and I had the hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus
After hearing the worst possible news—ovarian cancer—there was some
good news. My tumor was completely contained within the capsule of the ovary. It
was categorized as a stage 1A tumor, which meant they removed it all before it had
a chance to spread. I was so relieved. In fact, at my follow-up appointment with
my oncologist, I was thrilled to learn that I wouldn’t need chemotherapy or
radiation. She recommended CT scans and blood tests for check-ups every six
months just to be absolutely sure they didn’t miss anything. My message to
women of all ages is to listen to your body. If you are experiencing something that
is different or just not quite right, don’t dismiss it. Tell your doctor. And have a
Pap test and a mammogram regularly. These things saved my life. They could save
yours, too.
Guide Question
1. Who has ovarian cancer and how old is she?
2. What is the symptom of ovarian cancer?
3. What are diagnostic tools and tests used to detect ovarian cancer?
4. Who were the medical specialists who diagnosed and treated the woman with
ovarian cancer?
5. What is the diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to produce images?
6. What is the use of MRI?
7. How did the doctor determine if the tumor in the ovary was cancerous?
Activity 4
Directions: Complete the analogy by writing the correct word/ phrase from the
box. Then, complete the partial sentences to explain the analogy.

- Group 1, 2A, 2B, and 3

- abnormal cells that divide rapidly
- chemical or physical agents
- tools and test for diagnosing
- International Agency for Research on Cancer

1. EXAMPLE
Analogy Cancer : is an abnormal cells that divide rapidly
Carcinogens : causes cancer
Cancer is different from carcinogens because cancer is an abnormal
cells that divide rapidly while carcinogens cause cancer.

2. Analogy Cancer : origin

Carcinogens :
Cancer is from carcinogens because cancer is
classified by the origin while carcinogens .

3. Analogy Cancer : carcinoma and sarcoma

Carcinogens :
Cancer is from carcinogens because cancer is
classified by the origin while carcinogens .

4. Analogy Cancer : cell

Carcinogens :
Cancer is from carcinogens because cancer is a cell
while carcinogens .

5. Analogy Cancer :
Carcinogens : researches done to human and animals
Cancer is from carcinogens because cancer used
while carcinogens have undergone different researches done
to human and animals to determine its carcinogenicity.
 What I Have Learned

Let us see how much you learned from this module. Complete the
paragraph below by filling out the blanks. Select the correct answer from the choices
inside the box.

- carcinoma - biopsy
- colonoscopy - sarcoma
- mammogram - cancer of bone marrow
- probably carcinogenic - possibly carcinogenic
- abnormal cells divide rapidly
- international agency for research on cancer

Cancer is an umbrella term for a large group of diseases caused when

1. , and spread to other tissue and organs. Cancers
are named for the area in which they begin and the type of cell they are made of,
even if they spread to other parts of the body. 2. is a cancer that
starts in the skin or the tissues that line other organs. 3. is a
cancer of connective tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilage, and blood vessels.
Leukemia is a 4. , which creates blood cells.
Lymphoma and myeloma are cancers of the immune system.

Carcinogens are any of a number of agents that can cause cancer in

humans. The 5. have devised a
system of categories to evaluate the carcinogenicity of an agent to humans. The
details of the classifications are as follows: Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans,
Group 2A:
6. to humans. Group 2B: 7. to humans, Group 3:
Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans, and Group 4: Probably not
carcinogenic to humans.
There are several methods of diagnosing cancer. With advances in
technologies that understand cancers better, there is a rise in the number of
diagnostic tools that can help detect cancers. 8. is a sample of
tissue taken from the body in order to examine it test whether abnormalities in
your body are caused by cancer or by other conditions. 9. is
specialized medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the
breasts 10, is an exam used to detect changes or
abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
 What I Can Do

Based on this module, organize two sets of meal plan that promote the
awareness of the effects of carcinogens in the body. Use the menu below to arrange
your meals.

Meal no. 1 is you cheat-day meal

These are the foods and drinks that you crave to eat every single meal if
possible.

Meal no. 2 is your ordinary meal

These are the foods and drinks that you eat at home.

Menu
Food Drinks
Sisig Hotdog Soft-drink
Pizza tocino Coffee
Siomai longanisa Milk tea
Sipo egg Buttered shrimp Ice tea
Lechon Ginisang gulay water
Pinakbet Gitaan na gulay
Pork chop Nilagang baboy o baka
Hamburger Fried chicken with gravy
Shawarma Ginisang sayote at hipon

After planning, write down the scores corresponding to the group of

carcinogens found in your meals. Interpret the total score and write a brief
comparison of meal no. 1 and meal no. 2.

Group Score
Group 1 Carcinogenic
5
Sample: alcoholic beverages and processed meats.
Group 2A Probably carcinogenic
4
Sample: Frying and red meat
Group 2B Possibly carcinogenic
3
Sample: Coffee and pickled vegetables
Group 3 Carcinogenicity Not classifiable
2
Sample: tea
Group 4 Probably not carcinogenic 1
Write your meal plans below:
Meal no. 1 Meal no. 2
Food/ Drinks Score Food/ Drinks Score

Total Score Total Score

Interpretation:

Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is a chemical or physical agent that has the potential to cause cancer?
a. carcinogens c. carcinoma
b. cocarcinogens d. sarcoma

2. Which classifications of carcinogens do tocino and longanisa?

a. Group 1 c. Group 2B
b. Group 2A d. Group 3

3. What are the chemicals that do not cause cancer unless they are changed
when they are metabolized?
a. direct acting carcinogens c. cocarcinogens
b. indirect acting carcinogens d. procarcinogens

4. What is the tool used to diagnose cancer cells in the entire colon of a
patient?
a. biopsy c. colonoscopy
b. sigmoidoscopy d. ultrasound

5. Which of the following types of radiation does not cause cancer?

a. gamma rays c. radon
b. visible light d. x-rays

6. Who is the expert in treating cancer?

a. cancer survivor c. oncologist
b. influencer d. orthodontist
 7. Which of the following sentences is TRUE about cancer?
a. All types of tumors are cancerous.
b. Cancer can spread to other tissues and organs near the benign tumor.
c. Carcinoma originates in the skin or tissue within organs and glands that
protect the surface.
d. People older than 55 years of age are less likely to develop cancer
compared to of the age group

8. Which of the following sentences is TRUE about tumor?

a. All tumors are cancerous.
b. Tumors that are benign are not cancerous.
c. Malignant and benign tumors are not cancerous.
d. Malignant tumor is life threatening similarly with benign tumor.

9. What is the similarity between breast cancer and lung cancer?

a. Both breast and lung cancers are carcinoma.
b. Both breast and lung cancers affect the same organ.
c. Both breast and lung cancers are diagnosed using x-ray and ultrasound.
d. Both breast and lung cancers can be surgically removed without harming
the body.

10. How does cancer differ from carcinogens?

a. Cancer is a cell while carcinogens is a form of treatment for cancer..
b. Cancer is a disease while carcinogens are only chemicals that causes
cancer
c. Cancer is the rapid replication of cells while carcinogens are tumors
with radiation.
d. Cancer is the result of abnormalities during DNA replication while
carcinogens cause cancer.

Additional Activities

Directions: Select 3 tools or test from the list below and explain how it finds and
diagnoses cancer.

- Biopsy - Ultrasound
- Pap test - HPV DNA test
- Mammogram - colonoscopy
- Computed tomography - fecal occult blood test
- sigmoidoscopy - Magnetic resonance imaging