Understanding Cancer: Types, Causes, and Prevention

2. What is cancer? GNF • A group of different diseases which share the common feature of uncontrolled cell growth • Can affect almost any tissue in which cells divide • Second largest cause of death behind heart disease

3. Different types of cancer GNF

4. What causes cancer? GNF

5. Cancer takes a long time to develop GNF

6. Things you probably should avoid… GNF

7. Benign vs. Malignant • Benign – “non-cancerous” tumors • Malignant – cancer cells that have the ability to metastasize. • Spread to other parts of the body

8. Cancer Progression GNF Benign invasive cancer In situ cancer dysplasia hyperplasia invasive cancer metastasis Malignant

9. Cancer chromosomes GNF

10. Cell Cycle interphase cytokinesis • Cell Cycle: the growth of the cell (_________) and subsequent division into 2 identical cells (mitosis and __________) G1 – cell growth (ribosomes, Mitochondria, etc. double) S – DNA replicated G2 – preparation for mitosis M – Mitosis (nuclear division) C (not shown) – Cytokinesis (cellular division) Which steps make up interphase? _____ _______ _______ ~ 85% of a cells life is spent in Interphase. Where would cytokinesis fit in this chart? G1 S G2

11. Cancer • Growth resulting from the uncontrolled growth of the cell cycle • Cell cycle normally regulated by proteins called __________ and certain enzymes that activate the cyclin proteins. • Cell cycle is largely controlled at the stage just before DNA replication. cyclins

12. P53 and Cell cycle regulation • Found on chromosome 17 • p53 Gene (what’s a gene again?) codes for the p53 protein. • P53 protein binds to DNA and stops the cell cycle. • When p53 is mutated as with most cancer cells, protein can no longer bind DNA and cell cycle runs unchecked. __________ are large balls of cancer cells

13. p53 protein binding to DNA

14. Causes of Cancer • Both genetic (passed down in DNA) and environmental factors (and sometimes viral infections) • Environmental damage affects the genes that control the cell cycle (mutations) Big time!

15. Treatment and prevention • chemotherapy, radiation, stem cells? • Prevention • Don't smoke or chew tobacco • Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and high-fiber foods • Keep active and avoid getting overweight • Protect yourself in the sun • Take care with chemicals • See your doctor about unusual lumps, moles, sores and bleeding • See your doctor about any persistent changes, for example, altered bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, hoarseness, coughs, indigestion or lack or appetite, generally feeling unwell. • Check yourself out - learn how to check your breasts or testicles