1. Basics

what is cancer?

genetic mutations in a cell’s DNA cause abnormal cells to multiply

what is metastasis?

spread of cancer away from its original site

what is anaplasia?

when cells lack normal characteristics and differ in shape and function from the original cells

what does in situ mean?

cancer remains in its original place (good thing)

what is remission?

cancer is not present for a period of time

• more likely to have another type later

what is nadir?

time period of the greatest bone marrow suppression

• often causing neutropenia + the highest infection risk

what can cause cancer?

• inherited genetic factors

• viruses (HPV)*

• carcinogen or toxin exposure

• radiation exposure

what virus increases the risk of cancer later? *

human papillomavirus (HPV)

risk factors for cancer

• older age

• family history

• obesity or sedentary lifestyle

• exposure to carcinogens toxins, viruses

what is primary prevention? *

preventing disease before it develops through education and risk reduction

what is secondary prevention? *

screening, early detection, and prompt treatment of disease

what is tertiary prevention? *

reducing complications and disability from established disease, restoring function through rehabilitation

what measures help prevent cancer?

• healthy weight, diet, and active lifestyle

• limit or avoid alcohol

• smoking cessation

• vaccination

• sunscreen

• early screening, detection, and treatment

what self-exams help detect cancer?

breast, testicular, skin

what screenings are used for common cancers?

• breast (mammogram)

• colorectal (colonoscopy)

• cervical (Pap test)

• prostate (prostate-specific antigen [PSA])

what tests may be used to evaluate suspected cancer?

• bloodwork

• lumbar puncture

• imaging, (CT or PET)

• invasive procedures

• surgery

• biopsy

what is the only way to definitively diagnose a mass as cancer? *

biopsy

what treatments are used for cancer?

• chemotherapy (drugs)

• radiation

• surgery

• hormone therapy (for responsive cancers)

• bone marrow or stem cell transplants

• immunotherapy (uses the immune system to kill cancer cells)

what does TNM classification assess?

• T (primary tumor)

• N (lymph node involvement)

• M (metastasis)

what does a higher cancer stage indicate? *

more cancer spread and a worse prognosis

how is cancer named after it spreads?

by its original site

how does lymph node involvement affect cancer prognosis?

more involved lymph nodes mean a worse prognosis, cancer spreads through the lymphatic system