Cancer Study Guide/Notes
Vocab:
 Cancer –
1. A disease characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
2. Can affect people of any age.
3. 1 of every 4 deaths in the U.S. is caused by cancer.
 Tumor – a mass of abnormal cells
 Benign Tumor – a tumor that is NOT cancerous.
 Malignant Tumor – a tumor that IS cancerous.
 Metastasis – when cells from a malignant tumor break away through the blood or lymph to other parts
of the body. (Cancer moves from one part of the body to another.
Q: What are some common types of cancer? (Project page 485)
 Skin
 Breast
 Lung
 Reproductive System
 Lymphoma
 Colon and Rectal (Colorectal)
 Leukemia
Q: What causes cancer?
 Heredity (5-10 percent of cancers are hereditary according to the Am. Can. Soc.)
 Lifestyle Behaviors – Exposure to too much sunlight, Tobacco Use, Alcohol Use, Drug Use, Poor
Nutrition, Lack of Exercise, etc.
 Carcinogens (substances that cause cancer such as tobacco, radiation, various chemicals such as
asbestos and possibly BPA –Bisphenol A, air and water pollution.
Q: What are the warning signs of cancer?
C – Change is bowel and bladder habits (colorectal or prostate)
A – A sore that does not heal (skin or oral – mouth)
U – Unusual Bleeding or Discharge (uterine, kidney, or bladder)
T – Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere (all lumps should be checked)
I – Indigestion or difficulty swallowing (Esophagus or Stomach)
O – Obvious change in mole or wart (ABCD’s of melanoma) ABCDE's
N – Nagging cough or hoarseness (lung cancer)
ABCDE’s: (Specific to Melanoma – Skin Cancer)
Asymmetry - One half doesn't match the appearance of the other half
Border Irregularity - The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred
Color - The color (pigmentation) is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red,
white, and blue add to a mottled appearance.
Diameter - The size of the mole is greater than 1/4 inch (6 mm), about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth
of a mole should be evaluated
Evolution - There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially
bleeding), or color of a mole.
Q: How is cancer diagnosed?
 Biopsy, Ultrasounds, MRI, CAT Scans.
 This also allows the doctor to stage the disease and how far it has spread.
 This then allows for the best treatment.
Q: How is cancer treated: (Many treatments are used in combination)
 Surgery (Remove Cells)
 Radiation Therapy (Direct Radiation to cells)
 Chemotherapy (Use of chemicals)
 Immunotherapy (stimulation of the immune system)
 Hormone Therapy (can destroy or slow growth of cells)
Q: How can cancer be prevented?
 Eat nutritiously
 Be Physically Active
 Limit Sun Exposure
 Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol, and other drugs.
 Early detection (annual screenings, self-examinations)