Cancer
What is Cancer?
• An uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
• A tumor is a mass of cells that grows more rapidly than
surrounding tissue.
• Malignant – very dangerous and harmful
• Benign – Harmless, non-cancerous
• Metastasis – the process
where cancer spreads
from one area of the
body to a different
area of the body.
What Causes Cancer?
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Smoking
Obesity
A few viruses
Chemicals
Radiation
Hormones
Immune conditions
Inherited genetic mutations
Cellular Change & Mutation Theories
• One theory is that cancer results from an error
that happens during cell reproduction.
• Another theory is that cancer is caused by
some external agent that enters a normal cell
and initiates changes.
• Carcinogens include radiation, chemicals,
hormonal drugs, toxins, smoking.
• A third theory includes the research that
certain viruses are believed to cause tumors in
animals.
Lifestyle Cancer Risks
• Smoking can cause cancer of the lung,
pancreas, bladder and kidney, larynx, mouth,
pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, and
cervix.
• Cancer is more common in
people who are overweight
and lead a sedentary lifestyle
• Including postmenopausal
breast cancer, endometrium,
gallbladder, kidney, cervix,
ovaries, colon, and prostate.
Biological Cancer Risks
• Cancers of the breast, stomach, colon,
prostate, uterus, ovaries, and lungs appear to
run in families
• Hodgkin’s disease and certain
leukemia’s also run in families
• Gender also affects
certain cancers
• Breast cancer usually
occurs in females
Environmental Cancer Risks
• Asbestos, Nickel, chromate,
benzene, arsenic, vinyl
chloride, radioactive
substances, radon exposures,
coal tars, herbicides, and
pesticides have been shown
to be carcinogens for humans.
Viral Cancer Risks
• Cervical cancer has been
linked to the human papilloma virus,
the virus that causes genital warts.
• The Epstein-Barr virus, which is associated
with mononucleosis, may contribute to cancer.
• The herpes-related viruses may be involved
in the development of some forms of
leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, cervical cancer
and Burkitt’s lymphoma.
Types of Cancers
• Carcinoma
• Most common sites for cancer
• Found in tissues that cover the body surfaces
and linings in most
body cavities. Form
solid tumors.
• Examples include:
breast, lung,
intestinal, skin,
and mouth.
Types of Cancers
(Cont.)
• Sarcoma
• These cancers are
less common, but
are usually more
dangerous. They
also form solid tumors.
• They occur in the
middle layers of tissues
• Examples include:
bone, muscles, and
connective tissues.
Types of Cancers
(Cont.)
• Lymphoma
• Develops in the lymphatic system
(the infection fighting regions of the body)
and forms solid tumors.
• An example
includes
Hodgkin’s disease
Types of Cancers
(Cont.)
• Leukemia
• Cancer of the bloodforming parts of the body.
• Usually the bone marrow
and spleen that form
non-solid tumors.
• Characterized by an
abnormal increase in the
number of white blood
cells.
Lung Cancer
• Symptoms include a persistent cough, blood-streaked
sputum (mucus that is coughed up from the lower
airways), chest pain, and recurrent attacks of
pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Treatment includes
surgery, radiation
and chemotherapy.
• Risks include
tobacco use,
exposure to
tobacco smoke,
arsenic, asbestos
or radiation.
This normal gross appearance of a lung, in
cross section, is shown here for comparison
(Some Pictures)
LUNG CANCER AND EMPHYSEMA
Small cell anaplastic (oat
cell) carcinoma of the lung
appears here in a smoker.
Smokers who stop will
diminish their risk for lung
cancer, even after just a
couple of years.
WHO WANTS THIS
LUNG???
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
A large squamous cell carcinoma
of the lung in a smoker is shown
here.
The incidence of both squamous cell
carcinomas and small cell anaplastic
carcinomas of lung is far greater in
smokers than non-smokers.
EMPHYSEMA
Emphysema, of the centrilobular
type, with numerous enlarged air
spaces as a result of the loss of
lung tissue from smoking is
demonstrated here grossly. fds
Breast Cancer
• The earliest signs are observable on
mammograms, usually before lumps can
be felt. Self exams should begin by 20
with regular mammograms at the onset of
sexual activity or age 30.
• Once it has grown to where it can be felt,
symptoms include lump, thickening,
swelling, dimpling, skin irritation,
distortion, retraction of the nipple, nipple
discharge, pain or tenderness.
• Treatments range from lumpectomy to
radical mastectomy and various
combinations of radiation or
chemotherapy.
• Risk factors include family history,
long menstrual history, obesity after
menopause, oral contraceptives,
never having children.
Breast Self Exam
Testicular Cancer
• Males between the ages
of 17 and 34 with
undescended testicles
are at the greatest risk.
• Symptoms include a
painless enlargement of
the testis or thickening
in the testicular tissue.
Testicular
Self Exam
Prostate Cancer
• A PSA blood test and rectal
examination can be used to screen
males without symptoms. PSA
blood test should begin at age 40.
• Most signs of cancer mimic
the signs of an infection or enlarged
prostate.
• Symptoms include weak or
interrupted urine flow, difficulty
starting or stopping urine, the need
to urinate frequently, pain in lower
back, pelvis, or upper thighs, blood
in urine.
• Risk factors increase with age,
being African-American increases
risk and family history.
Colon and Rectum Cancers
• Symptoms include bleeding from the rectum, blood
in the stool and changes in bowel habits.
• Colonoscopy or barium enemas are recommended
tests for at-risk populations and people over 50.
• Treatments include surgery, radiation and possible
chemotherapy.
• Risk factors include people who are over 40, obese,
have a family history of these cancers and or polyps,
inflammatory bowel problems, diets high in fats or
low in fiber, smoking, high alcohol consumption,
and inactivity.
Colon and Rectum Cancers
COLON POLYPS AND CANCER
(Some Pictures)
Tubular adenomas, larger than 2 cm, carry a
much greater risk for development of a carcinoma,
having collected mutations. The colonoscopy
appearance of rectal polyps, in this photo, proved
to be tubular adenomas.
This colonoscopy view of small
polyps proved to be a tubular
adenoma.
This polyp has a hemorrhagic surface
(which is why they may first be detected with
stool blood screening) and a long narrow
stalk.
The size of this polyp--above 2 cm--makes
the possibility of malignancy more likely, but
this polyp proved to be benign.
Here are multiple polyps of the
colon. A small portion of terminal
ileum appears at the right.
Here is another example of numerous small
polyps covering the colonic mucosa. In this
particular case, there were osteomas of the skull,
a periampullary adeno-carcinoma, and epidermal
inclusion cysts.
Thus, this is a case of Gardner's syndrome. As
with familial adenomatous polyposis, the
inheritance pattern is autosomal dominant.
These are colonoscopy views of a
smaller rectal adeno-carcinoma
with an ulcerated surface.
SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer is the fastest
growing type of cancer in
the US. Over 2 million
people will be diagnosed
with skin cancer this
year.
(National Cancer Inst.)
Many studies show a
correlation between
exposure to UV radiation
and skin cancer rates.
MOST COMMON TYPES
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Cells of the stratum basale
start to divide
uncontrollably.
Most common and least
dangerous form of skin
cancer.
Slow growing, and is usually
detected before it spreads.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cells of the stratum spinosum
start to divide uncontrollably.
Often appears on the scalp,
ears, lips or hands.
Fast growing, but prognosis is
good if caught early and
removed.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IMAGE MAY BE DISTURBING!!!
Malignant Melanoma
Cancer of melanocytes
(melanin producing cells)
5% of skin cancer, but is
increasing rapidly and is
the most deadly form.
Develops in pigmented
regions of the skin.
Early detection is critical!
Skin Cancer
• Melanomas of the skin are most common
on the face, ears, neck, arms, hands and
legs.
• They usually appear as warty bumps,
colored spots or scaly patches with
asymmetry, and border irregularity and
variations in color.
• Risks include radiation from the sun and
tanning lamps. Avoid sun or use a strong
sun block. SPF = sun protection factor.
Higher number provides more protection.
• Surgery is used with possible radiation or
chemotherapy.
Sun safety care
The following are things we can all
do to avoid sun damage. Just listen
to Sid the safety Seagull and abide
by these simple rules….
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Slip on a shirt
Slop on some sunscreen/sunblock (SPF 15+)
Slap on a hat
Seek shade (between the hours of 10am & 4pm)
Slide on some sunglasses (UVA/UVB protection approved)
Ovarian Cancer
• Most common
symptoms include
enlargement of the
abdomen in women
over 40, gas,
stomachaches that
cannot be explained.
• Risk factors
include exposure
to estrogen
and family history.
Uterine Cancer
• Early warning signs include bleeding outside of
normal menstrual periods or after menopause or
unusual vaginal discharge.
• Risk factors include early age of first intercourse,
multiple sex partners,
cigarette smoking,
certain STD’s,
a family history,
a history of infertility,
failure to ovulate,
obesity, and
estrogen therapy.
Leukemia
• Cancer of the blood-forming tissues that leads to
millions of immature white blood cells.
• These abnormal cells crowd out normal blood cells.
• Symptoms include
fatigue, paleness,
weight loss, easy
bruising, repeated
infections,
nosebleeds
and other
hemorrhaging.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER
If you have any of these early warning signs, contact your physician. Early
detection is essential for improved survival for patients with cancer.
Although these signs may seem vague, they may indicate that cancer is
present.
C A U T I O N !!!
C – Change in bowel habits may be a sign of colorectal
cancer. Constipation or diarrhea accompanied by
abdominal pain may indicate there is a tumor blocking your
colon. A MAJOR symptom of cancer is discharge of blood
in stool.
A – A sore that does not heal. Smokers and people who
use chewing tobacco may develop oral leukoplakia. Oral
leukoplakia are rough white patches which form in the
mouth. These may develop into cancer.
U – Unusual bleeding or discharge from the rectum,
bladder or vagina may indicate signs of cancer.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER
(Cont.)
T – Thickening or lump in breast or
elsewhere. Breast cancer may also
include retraction of the nipple, nipple
discharge, pain or tenderness in that area.
I – Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
Can be a sign of esophegeal or stomach
cancer.
O- Obvious change in a mole or wart.
This can be a sign of melanoma , or skin
cancer.
N – Nagging cough or hoarseness. This
may be an early sign of lung cancer, which is
the number one killer in men and women
who have cancer.
Top 10 Ways To Prevent Cancer
1. Avoid smoking, whether it be actual
smoking or second hand smoke.
2. Practice sun safety and recognize
when skin changes occur.
3. Eat your fruits and veggies.
4. Watch the meats you eat, especially
smoked or cured foods.
5. Limit your alcohol intake.
“CANCER CURES
SMOKING”
Top 10 Ways To Prevent Cancer
(Cont.)
6. Exercise for cancer prevention
7. Know your personal and family history
of cancer.
8. Know your personal and family history
of cancer.
9. Know your personal and family history
of cancer.
10. Be sure to keep up on screening
tests like the Pap, mammograms, and
DREs.
Detecting Cancer
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI)
• A device that uses magnetic
fields, radio waves and
computers to generate an image
of internal tissue of
the body without the use of
radiation.
• Computerized Axial
Tomography (CAT scan)
• A machine that uses radiation to
view internal organs not
normally visible on x-rays.
Cancer Treatments
• Surgery
• The tumor and surrounding tissue
is removed.
• Radiotherapy
• The use of radiation to kill
cancerous cells
• Used to treat localized cancer
cells, but also destroys some
healthy cells.
• Chemotherapy
• The use of drugs to kill cancerous
cells
• Used to treat cancers that have
spread throughout the body.