Download What Is Cancer?

PowerPoint® Lecture Outlines
13
Reducing
Your Risk
of Cancer
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Objectives
• Define cancer and how it develops.
• Discuss how lifestyle choices, biological factors, and
environmental exposures affect an individual’s risk of
developing cancer.
• Identify five common types of cancer and the risk factors
for each.
• Identify your own risk factors and make choices to
reduce those risks.
• Discuss approaches to cancer treatment and recovery.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
What Is Cancer?
• A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled
growth and spread of abnormal cells.
• The second most common cause of U.S. deaths.
• Nearly 1/2 of men and 1/3 of women will develop it.
• Lifestyle choices play a significant role in risk.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Aspects of Cancer
Cancer is characterized by damaged genes that mutate,
forming a tumor.
• Benign tumors are noncancerous.
• Malignant tumors are cancerous.
A biopsy surgically removes cells to diagnose them.
A carcinogen is an external cancer-causing agent.
Oncogenes are genes that may play a role in causing
cancer.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Development of a Benign Tumor
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Development of a Malignant Tumor
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
How Cancer Spreads
• Metastasis is the spread of cancer. It occurs when
malignant cells spread into other body tissue.
• Tumors need oxygen to grow. Angiogenesis occurs
when malignant cells produce growth factors that induce
capillaries (blood vessels) to supply the tumor with
oxygen, helping it to grow.
• Some cancer treatments target these blood vessels,
attempting to “starve” the tumor.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
New Cancer Cases and Deaths
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Four Cancer Classes
Carcinomas:
Solid tumors that begin in the lining layer (epithelial
cells) of organs. At least 80% of all cancers.
Sarcomas:
Malignant tumors growing from connective tissues,
such as cartigage, fat, msucle or bone.
Lymphomas:
Tumors in lymph nodes or vessels or other infectionfighting body areas. Two main types are
non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Leukemias:
Cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs.
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Cancer Stages
Oncologists (cancer specialists) recognize 4 stages of
cancer based on:
• Tumor size
• Number of lymph nodes affected
• Degree of spread (metastasis)
Stage 1 tumors are local and often curable.
Stage 2 through 4 tumors have spread farther and are
less likely to be cured.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Causes of Cancer
Lifestyle choices substantially affect cancer risk:
• Smoking
• Alcohol and drug use/abuse
• Obesity, inactivity, and poor diet
• Sexual activity
Other cancer-causing sources are:
• Environmental factors (sun exposure, pollution, radiation)
• Biological factors (viruses, microbial infections)
• Genetic factors (family history)
• Reproductive hormones (mainly in women)
• Occupational hazards (exposure to carcinogens)
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Lifestyle Choices and Cancer Risk
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Skin Cancer
• The most common cancer & most easily treated.
• Basil Cell (80%) & Squamous Cell carcinomas.
• Malignant melanoma is rarer but more deadly (<5%).
• People with light skin, hair, and eyes are at greatest
risk.
• Prevention
• Use sunscreen/protective clothing
• Avoid mid-day sun exposure
• Regular skin exams & doctor follow-up
• Signs of melanoma- ABCD’s asymmetry, border
irregularity, color change & diameter
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Lung Cancer
•The leading killer
of both women and
men.
•Has declined in
recent years due to
less smoking.
•Still, only 5% of
people survive
more than 5 years
after diagnosis.
•Early detection is
key.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Lung Cancer Incidence
Common Types of Cancer
Breast Cancer
• Second leading cause of death for women.
• Can sometimes occur in men.
• Genetic factors may play a big role in risk.
• Self-exams and yearly check-ups are recommended.
Female Reproductive Tract Cancers
• Include ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer.
• Ovarian cancer has few overt early signs.
• Risks include prior cancer history, early sexual
activity, multiple sex partners, herpes, and HPV.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Common Types of Cancer
Male Reproductive Tract Cancers
• Include prostate and testicular cancer.
• Prostate cancer can be symptom-free in early stages.
• Genetic factors play a role in testicular cancer.
• Prostate cancer risk factors include older age, race,
genetics, high BMI, and poor diet.
Colon and Rectal Cancers
• Third most common cancer in both men and women.
• Colorectal cancer has no symptoms in early stages.
• Risk factors are similar to male reproductive cancer
risks, in addition to a family history of polyps.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Common Types of Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
• More common now than 20 years ago.
• Often undiagnosed until late in its development.
• Risk factors include being male, age over 45,
smoking, and eating a high-fat diet.
Leukemia
• Several types exist as acute or chronic cases.
• Strikes both sexes and all age groups.
• Most common form of childhood cancer.
• Symptoms include frequent infections, headaches,
vomiting, anemia, and swelling in joints.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Reducing Your Risk of Cancer
• Don’t smoke.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Limit grilled, blackened, and processed meats.
• Limit saturated and trans fats.
• Eat at least five servings daily of fruits and vegetables.
• Eat several servings daily of whole-grain foods.
• Get regular physical exercise.
• Keep BMI within recommended levels.
• Manage stress.
• Limit exposure to environmental carcinogens.
• Do self-exams and get regular check-ups.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
Cancer Treatment Options
Radiation
• Most effective with localized (early stage) cancers.
• Works by destroying malignant cells or inhibiting their growth.
• Still is one of the most effective forms of treatment.
Chemotherapy
• Administered via intravenous drugs.
• Often causes hair loss, nausea, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Along with radiation treatment, it may also cause long-term
damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.
Immunotherapies
• New treatments that may enhance the immune system.
• Also includes gene therapies and potential stem cell treatments.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.
ABC News: Cancer
Cancer
Discussion Questions:
• Discuss the difficulties Lance Armstrong faced during
and after his cancer treatment.
• What were other things he wanted to prove beside
winning another Tour de France title? Provide
examples.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.