THE BASICS

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.
 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?
 Healthy Cells
• Cells represent the
smallest, functional unit of
our existence which • Cells grow, replicate and
contains cytoplasm and a repair body organs.
nucleus (i.e. metabolism, • The genetic material
reproduction, day to day (DNA/RNA) and your
functions) immune system regulate
• Cells have a specialized this process.
function depending on
their location in the body.
Different Types of Cells
• Blood cells
• Muscle cells (smooth,
striated, cardiac)
• Nerve cells
• Bone cells
• Cartilage cells
• Liver (hepa) cells
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.
This neoplasmic mass often
forms a clumping of
cells known as a
.tumor
 Tumors
• Benign Tumors • Malignant Tumors
(noncancerous) (cancerous)
• Enclosed in a fibrous • Not usually contained –
shell or capsule. metastasis
• Take up space • Invade and emit clawlike
• Concerned if they protrusions that disrupt
interfere with the RNA and DNA of
surrounding tissues or normal cells (these
vessels or impede cancerous cells act like
the function of the a virus).
body.
(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
 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
Gas Exchange in Your Lungs
Lung and Bronchus Cancer (Invasive),
(1975-2002 (CDC
Lung and Bronchus Cancer for U.S.
Males, 1992-2002
Lung and Bronchus Cancer for U.S.
Females, 1992-2002
Ten Leading Causes of Death for
(Males, 2002 (CDC
Ten Leading Causes of Death for
(Females, 2002 (CDC
 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
An Overview of Cancer

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

• Cellular Change/Mutation Theories

– Spontaneous errors
– External agents
– Oncogenes

• Risks for Cancer-Lifestyle

– Smoking among greatest
– Nutrition/exercise
Factors Believed to Contribute to Global
Causes of Cancer

Figure 13.1
?What Causes Cancer

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

• Occupational and Environmental Factors

– Asbestos, nickel, chromate
– Radioactive substances

• Social and Psychological Factors

– Stress
– Decrease negative emotions
?What Causes Cancer
• Chemicals in Food
– Sodium nitrate
– Clostridium botulism

• Viral Factors
– Herpes-related virus and human papillomavirus

• Medical Factors
– Diethylstibestrol (DES)
– Chemotherapy
Table 13.1
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
Types of Cancer
• Colon and Rectum Cancer
– 3rdmost 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
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?

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)
Types of Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
– 4th 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
Types of Cancer

• Cancer of the Pancreas

– “Silent” disease

– 29,700 cases in 2002

– Only 4% survive
– Contributors: inflammation, diabetes, high-fat diet
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
Facing Cancer

• Detecting Cancer
– Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
– Computerized Axial Tomography scanning (CAT scan)
– Prostatic ultrasound (rectal probe)
– Self-exam and check-ups
Table 13.3
Facing Cancer

• New Hope in Cancer Treatments

– Surgery to remove tumor
– Chemotherapy
– Researching genes and cell mutations
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
Facing Cancer

• Life After Cancer

– Laws reduce insurance discrimination
– Less isolation
– Assistance is available
– Support groups