CANCER

What is Cancer?Generic term to describe diseases in which abnormal cells divide without

control.It is the number 2 leading cause of death

in the United States

In 2008, 7.6 million people died from cancer-that is 13% of people worldwide

70% of deaths occur in low and middle income countries.

Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical.

Worldwide, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and esophagus.

http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/cancer/04_en.htm

When these cells begin to invade the tissues, the tissues begin to enlarge.

This is termed a TUMORThere are 2 types of tumors:

benign and malignant

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Benign Tumors

Why aren’t benign tumors deadly? They are localized and grow VERY SLOWLYTherefore, NOT ALL CANCERS ARE FATAL!Some benign tumors may present

problems, but only if they grow big enough and push on organs, blood vessels or nerves.

Malignant Tumors

Invade and damage tissues and organs. Do not respond to the normal feedback

mechanisms in your body. INVASION occurs when the tumors spread to

other tissues. Metastasis occurs when these malignancies

cause secondary tumors. “The tumor has spread.”META=beyondStasis=stability/slowing

Cancer Triggers

a defect in the genes responsible for cell growth will cause rapid division of the cancer cells

Some other triggers may also cause the mutations-environmental, genetic, illness,

Some cancers are preventableIn fact, tobacco use is the single largest

preventable cause of cancer worldwide.

What are the behaviors of malignant cells?

Cell changes in size and shapeGrowth distorts the tissue, then the metastasis begins“Prison Break” into the Lymphatic system, blood

vessels, there becomes an increase in the number of the cancer cells in circulation.

“Bullies” Not all malignancies are a death sentence if

caught early.30% of cancer could be cured if detected early

and treated adequately.

What helps malignant cells grow rapidly? Growing in blood vessels they are supplied

with oxygen and nutrients essential for life.

How can we slow the growth?By using the Antiangiogenesis factor Angio=blood vesselGenesis=birth or beginningAnti=against

Tumors can affect ANY PART OF THE BODYThere are over 100 types of cancer>30% could be prevented by:Not using tobaccoMaintaining a healthy dietStaying physically activePreventing infections

1/5 of all cancers are caused by chronic, preventable infections such as HPV, Hepatitis B or HIV, for example.30% of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated adequately(Information taken from http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/cancer/10_en.html)

Cancer at the organ level

CELL---TISSUE--ORGANNumber of cancerous cells increase, organ

function decreasesCancer cells interfere with the original

function of the organ. Cancer cells are now regulating the organ

and it doesn’t know how to function properly.