What Is Cancer By: Group 2 (10-JOMA)

Members: Salut, Sosa, Doal, Sidella, Rivera, Antazo, Timpoc

Reporters: Timpos, Sosa, Sidella
Researchers: Salut, Doal, Antazo, Rivera

INTRODUCTION
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of
the body.

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally,
human cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to form new cells as the body
needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

"Cancer" is a broad term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth and
spread of cells. These cells have the potential to invade other tissues and organs, leading to serious
health complications. Cancer can affect virtually any part of the body and can arise from various factors,
including genetic mutations, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANCER CELLS AND NORMAL CELLS

 grow in the absence of signals telling them to grow. Normal cells only grow when they receive
such signals.
 ignore signals that normally tell cells to stop dividing or to die (a process known as programmed
cell death, or apoptosis).
 invade into nearby areas and spread to other areas of the body. Normal cells stop growing when
they encounter other cells, and most normal cells do not move around the body.
 tell blood vessels to grow toward tumors. These blood vessels supply tumors with oxygen and
nutrients and remove waste products from tumors.
 hide from the immune system. The immune system normally eliminates damaged or abnormal
cells.
 trick the immune system into helping cancer cells stay alive and grow. For instance, some cancer
cells convince immune cells to protect the tumor instead of attacking it.

HOW DOES CANCER DEVELOP?

Cancer is a genetic disease—that is, it is caused by changes to genes that control the way our cells
function, especially how they grow and divide.

 Genetic changes that cause cancer can happen because:

 of errors that occur as cells divide.
  of damage to DNA caused by harmful substances in the environment, such as the chemicals in
tobacco smoke and ultraviolet rays from the sun. (Our Cancer Causes and Prevention section has
more information.)
 they were inherited from our parents.

Cancer is caused by certain changes to genes, the basic physical units of inheritance. Genes are arranged
in long strands of tightly packed DNA called chromosomes. The development of cancer typically involves
a series of genetic mutations or alterations that disrupt the normal regulatory mechanisms controlling
cell growth, differentiation, and death. These mutations can be acquired over time due to various
factors, including exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation, certain
chemicals, and infectious agents like viruses and bacteria. Additionally, some individuals may inherit
genetic mutations that predispose them to certain types of cancer. The accumulation of these genetic
changes can lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells, initiating the process of
tumorigenesis.

TYPES OF GENES THAT CAUSE CANCER

The genetic changes that contribute to cancer tend to affect three main types of genes—proto-
oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. These changes are sometimes called
“drivers” of cancer.

Proto-oncogenes are involved in normal cell growth and division. However, when these genes are
altered in certain ways or are more active than normal, they may become cancer-causing genes (or
oncogenes), allowing cells to grow and survive when they should not.

Tumor suppressor genes are also involved in controlling cell growth and division. Cells with certain
alterations in tumor suppressor genes may divide in an uncontrolled manne.

DNA repair genes are involved in fixing damaged DNA. Cells with mutations in these genes tend to
develop additional mutations in other genes and changes in their chromosomes, such as duplications
and deletions of chromosome parts. Together, these mutations may cause the cells to become
cancerous.

2
WHEN CANCER SPREADS
A cancer that has spread from the place where it first formed to another place in the body is called
metastatic cancer. The process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body is called
metastasis.

In some cases, treatment may help prolong the lives of people with metastatic cancer. In other cases,
the primary goal of treatment for metastatic cancer is to control the growth of the cancer or to relieve
symptoms it is causing. Metastatic tumors can cause severe damage to how the body functions, and
most people who die of cancer die of metastatic disease.

In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they first formed and form new tumors in other parts
of the body.

TISSUE CHANGES THAT ARE NOT CANCER

Not every change in the body’s tissues is cancer. Some tissue changes may develop into cancer if they
are not treated, however. Here are some examples of tissue changes that are not cancer but, in some
cases, are monitored because they could become cancer:

1. Hyperplasia occurs when cells within a tissue multiply faster than normal and extra cells build
up. However, the cells and the way the tissue is organized still look normal under a microscope.
Hyperplasia can be caused by several factors or conditions, including chronic irritation.
2. Dysplasia is a more advanced condition than hyperplasia. In dysplasia, there is also a buildup of
extra cells. But the cells look abnormal and there are changes in how the tissue is organized. In
general, the more abnormal the cells and tissue look, the greater the chance that cancer will
form. Some types of dysplasia may need to be monitored or treated, but others do not. An
example of dysplasia is an abnormal mole (called a dysplastic nevus) that forms on the skin. A
dysplastic nevus can turn into melanoma, although most do not.
3. Carcinoma in situ is an even more advanced condition. Although it is sometimes called stage 0
cancer, it is not cancer because the abnormal cells do not invade nearby tissue the way that
cancer cells do. But because some carcinomas in situ may become cancer, they are usually
treated.

3
CANCER SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
The symptoms of cancer can vary widely depending on the type, location, and stage of the disease.
Common signs and symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps or masses,
changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough or hoarseness, unusual bleeding or discharge, and
persistent pain. While the exact cause of cancer is often multifactorial and complex, several risk factors
have been identified. These include genetic predisposition, environmental exposures (such as tobacco
use, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure), unhealthy lifestyle choices (such as
poor diet and lack of physical activity), chronic infections, and certain medical conditions.

PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT, & TREATMENT OF CANCER

Preventing cancer involves reducing exposure to known risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle
behaviors. Strategies for cancer prevention include avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol
consumption, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, protecting oneself from UV
radiation by using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds, getting vaccinated against cancer-causing
infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), and undergoing regular
screenings for early detection of cancer.

The management and treatment of cancer depend on several factors, including the type, stage, and
location of the disease, as well as the individual's overall health and preferences. Treatment modalities
may include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, radiation therapy to
target and shrink tumors, immunotherapy to boost the body's immune response against cancer,
targeted therapy to block specific molecules involved in cancer growth, hormone therapy to inhibit
hormone-sensitive cancers, and stem cell transplant to replace damaged bone marrow in certain blood
cancers.

Diagnosis and Tests Diagnosing cancer often involves a combination of medical history, physical
examination, imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans), laboratory tests
(including blood tests, tumor markers, and biopsies), and other specialized procedures (such as
endoscopy, ultrasound, and molecular testing). These diagnostic tools help healthcare professionals
determine the presence, type, extent, and stage of cancer, which in turn guides treatment decisions and
prognosis.

TYPES OF CANCER
There are more than 100 types of cancer. Cancers also may be described by the type of cell that formed
them, such as an epithelial cell or a squamous cell.

Here are some categories of cancers that begin in specific types of cells:

1. Breast Cancer: This cancer forms in the cells of the breasts and can occur in both men and
women. Symptoms may include a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, nipple
discharge, or changes in the skin over the breast.

4
 2. Lung Cancer: Lung cancer develops in the tissues of the lungs, usually in the cells lining the air
passages. It is often associated with smoking but can also occur in non-smokers. Symptoms may
include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.
3. Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and usually develops from
precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits,
blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.
4. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, which is part of the male
reproductive system. It often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages.
Symptoms may include urinary problems, blood in the semen, erectile dysfunction, and
discomfort in the pelvic area.
5. Skin Cancer: Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow uncontrollably. The most
common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Symptoms
may include changes in the appearance of moles or skin lesions, such as asymmetry, irregular
borders, varied color, or changes in size.
6. Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow, where abnormal blood cells
multiply rapidly and crowd out healthy blood cells. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness,
frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and enlarged lymph nodes.
7. Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes,
spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. It occurs when lymphocytes (a type of white blood
cell) grow out of control. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats,
weight loss, and fatigue.
8. Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer develops in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located
behind the stomach. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat.
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin
and eyes), and digestive problems.

Other Types of Tumors : Germ Cell Tumors, Neuroendocrine Tumors , Carcinoid Tumors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 How do I recognize cancer before it starts to cause serious health problems?
- Some cancers cause early symptoms, but others do not exhibit symptoms until they are
more advanced. Many of these symptoms are often from causes unrelated to cancer.
The best way to identify cancer early is to report any unusual, persistent symptoms to a
doctor so they can offer advice about any further testing that may be needed.
 Can people with cancer live a long life?
- Some cancers have better prognoses than others, and certain treatments, such as surgery,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, can effectively
manage or even cure some types of cancer.
Additionally, lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, managing
stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to better
outcomes and overall quality of life for cancer survivors.
 How long can someone live with cancer without knowing?

5
 - The lifespan of someone living with undetected cancer varies depending on the type and
aggressiveness of the cancer. In some cases, cancer can progress slowly without causing
noticeable symptoms for several years, while in other cases, it may spread rapidly, leading
to more immediate health complications. Early detection through routine screenings and
awareness of potential symptoms can significantly improve the chances of successful
treatment and long-term survival.
 How long will treatment last, and what will it involve?
- The duration and specifics of cancer treatment vary depending on factors such as the type
and stage of cancer, as well as the individual's overall health. Treatments may include
surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a
combination of these approaches. Your healthcare team will discuss the recommended
treatment plan with you, including the expected duration of each treatment modality and
the potential side effects and outcomes.

SUMMARY
Cancer causes cells to divide uncontrollably. It also prevents them from dying at the natural point in
their life cycle.

Cancer is a complex and diverse group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that can
invade and spread to other parts of the body. It arises from genetic mutations that disrupt the normal
regulation of cell growth and division.

Risk factors for cancer include genetic predisposition, environmental factors such as tobacco use and UV
radiation exposure, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and certain infections.

Early detection through screenings and awareness of symptoms can improve outcomes, and treatment
options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, often
used in combination depending on the type and stage of cancer.

While cancer remains a significant health challenge, advances in research and medical technology
continue to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship outcomes, offering hope for individuals
affected by the disease. Supportive care and lifestyle modifications also play crucial roles in managing
cancer and enhancing quality of life for patients and survivors.

Resources:
 https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648#takeaway
 https://youtu.be/WPgJafGz4fg?si=XavFz5sG14RxBTRj
 https://youtu.be/6RHLRFjnOzw?si=Ri4b5SRTaY-yEarA
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cancer-treatment/about/pac-20393344