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Why is early detection of cancer important?

It improves survival, but symptoms often appear late (Stage 3 or 4).

What are common symptoms of cancer?

Persistent cough, blood in stool/urine, weight loss, night sweats, fever, lumps, changes in moles.

What are the four main categories of cancer risk factors?

Biological, Genetic, Environmental, Behavioral.

Give examples of biological cancer risk factors.

Age, infections (HPV, Hepatitis B/C).

What genetic mutations increase breast cancer risk?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

What environmental factors increase cancer risk?

Pollution, UV radiation, X-rays, chemicals.

How can behavior affect cancer risk?

Diet (red meat increases risk, antioxidants lower it), smoking, sun exposure.

What are some ways cancer can be detected?

Self-checks, medical imaging (MRI, CT scans, ultrasound), biopsy, genetic tests (STR marker analysis).

Why are biopsies important in cancer diagnosis?

They confirm the presence of cancer cells (except for brain cancer).

What does Stage 0 cancer mean?

There are abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancerous.

How does Stage I cancer differ from Stage IV?

Stage I is small and localized, while Stage IV has metastasized (spread to other organs).

What are the main types of cancer treatments?

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell therapy, precision medicine.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Hair loss, anemia, increased infections, nausea.

How does radiation therapy work?

It damages cancer cell DNA to stop cell division.

What is immunotherapy?

A treatment that boosts the immune system to attack cancer.

How does targeted therapy work?

It uses drugs that specifically target cancer genes.

What is hormone therapy used for?

It blocks hormones that promote cancer growth (e.g., breast and prostate cancer).

What does cancer remission mean?

No detectable traces of cancer remain in the body.

When is a person considered cancer-free?

After 5 years of remission.

How does biofeedback help cancer patients?

It helps manage pain and stress through meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, and neural feedback.

What are the benefits of biofeedback?

Lowers blood pressure, reduces panic attacks, minimizes pain perception.

What cancers are linked to HPV?

Cervical cancer.

What virus is linked to lymphomas?

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

Which viruses are linked to liver cancer?

Hepatitis B and C.

How can virus-related cancers be prevented?

Vaccines for HPV and Hepatitis B, routine screenings.

Why are routine screenings important?

Early detection improves treatment success and prevents metastasis.

What cancers should be screened for regularly?

Prostate, colon, cervical, breast, skin, testicular, lung.

What are STRs?

Short, repeating DNA sequences used for genetic identification.

Why are STRs useful in genetic testing?

They vary in length between individuals, useful for forensic analysis, paternity testing, and disease risk assessment.

How are STRs analyzed?

Using gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments by size.

What are SNPs?

Variations in a single DNA base (A, T, C, or G) at a specific position.

How do SNPs affect traits?

They can influence hair color, disease risk, and drug responses.

How are SNPs used in medicine?

In pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine to tailor treatments.

How do STRs relate to cancer risk?

STR variations near cancer-related genes (e.g., BRCA1) can indicate mutations.

What does a normal BRCA1 STR look like?

228 base pairs.

What does a mutant BRCA1 STR look like?

151 base pairs.

How do STRs affect hair color?

Differences in STR length and SNP variations in hair color genes result in different shades.

What is gel electrophoresis used for?

To separate DNA fragments by size, helping to analyze STRs and SNPs.

What does a thicker band in gel electrophoresis indicate?

Two identical DNA fragments overlapping (same STR length).

What does a different band position indicate?

A difference in STR length, meaning different alleles.