chapteron cancer2025-03-18T13:14:13.462Z

Overview of Cancer

• Importance of understanding cancer and its related risks.

• Discussion of personal family history regarding cancer and its implications (e.g., breast and uterine cancer).

Key Terms

• Cancer: Abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells that can lead to displacement of healthy cells.

• Mutated Cells: Cells that have undergone genetic changes and may lead to cancer.

Risk Factors for Cancer

• Genetic predisposition (family history of specific cancers).

• Importance of early detection through methods such as:

  • Pap Smear for women to detect cervical cancer.

  • Genetic testing to assess cancer risk (e.g., colon cancer).

• Lifestyle factors and environmental pollutants contributing to increased cancer rates.

Common Types of Cancer

• Breast cancer: One of the most common cancers.

• Prostate cancer: A prevalent male cancer.

• Skin cancer: Common and can often be treated if detected early.

• Lung cancer: Links to smoking and environmental factors.

• Colon cancer: Importance of fiber intake to prevent irritation and inflammation, reducing cancer risk.

Understanding Cancer

• Definition of cancer: abnormal cells growing uncontrollably, harming the body.

• Cancer cells:

  • Grow without any signals to stop.

  • Displace normal cells and take nutrients.

  • Grow uncontrollably and do not undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Differences Between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells

• Cancer Cells:

  • Ignore signals to stop growing.

  • Can invade other areas and cause metastasis.

  • Immortal, requiring external forces to die.

  • Consume glucose and nutrients rapidly, leading to weight loss in patients.

• Normal Cells:

  • Receive signals to stop dividing.

  • Undergo apoptosis when necessary.

  • Do not metastasize and stay in their designated areas.

Characteristics of Normal Cells

• Appearance: Uniform in size and shape.

• Lifespan: Grow, age, and die, being replaced by new cells.

• Metastasis: Do not spread; they stay anchored.

• Gene Mutations: Repair of mutations is possible.

• Metabolism: Efficient energy use.

Characteristics of Cancer Cells

• Appearance: Vary in size and shape.

• Lifespan: Immortal; do not die naturally.

• Metastasis: Capable of spreading to different body areas.

• Gene Mutations: Harmful mutations lead to uncontrolled growth.

• Metabolism: Rapidly consumes nutrients to support abnormal growth.

Benign vs. Malignant Tumors

Benign Tumors

• Noncancerous growths that:

  • Grow slowly and are usually encapsulated.

  • Do not metastasize (do not spread).

  • Well-differentiated (uniform appearance).

  • Named with the suffix "-oma" (e.g., lipoma).

Malignant Tumors

• Cancerous growths that:

  • Grow rapidly and are not encapsulated.

  • Can invade nearby tissues and metastasize.

  • Poorly differentiated (abnormal size, shape, and structure).

  • Named according to cell type; aggressive and invasive.

Conclusion

• Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing cancer risks and implications for treatment and prevention.