16 Questions
What is a characteristic of cancerous cells during the progression stage?
They grow out of control and invade adjacent tissues.
What is one way the immune system may respond to cancerous cells?
It detects and destroys them.
What is a potential outcome if cancerous cells continue to grow?
They will develop into malignant tumors.
What is the estimated lifetime risk of developing cancer in men in the US?
42% (1 in 2)
What type of factor can increase an individual's risk of developing cancer?
Both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors
What is an example of a nonmodifiable risk factor for cancer?
Family history
What is a modifiable risk factor for cancer that has the greatest impact, according to the American Cancer Society?
Tobacco use
What is an example of an infectious agent that can increase cancer risk?
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
What is a characteristic of cancer cells?
They reproduce spontaneously and independently
What is a tumor?
A newly formed mass of undifferentiated cells
What is the first stage of cancer development?
Initiation
What can happen to cells with mutated DNA?
They can engage in self-repair, self-destruction, or be destroyed by the immune system
What happens during the promotion stage of cancer development?
The mutated cell is stimulated to divide
Why can't enzymes detect alterations in the DNA during the promotion stage?
Because the enzymes are unable to detect alterations in the DNA
How long does it typically take for a mutated cell to double repeatedly into a tumor mass?
Many years
What is true about not every tumor being malignant?
Many tumors are benign and are made up of cells that will not spread widely
Study Notes
What is Cancer?
- Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by cells that grow “out of control”
- Cancer cells reproduce spontaneously and independently, invading tissues and organs
What is a Tumor?
- A tumor is a newly formed mass of undifferentiated cells with no physiologic function
- Not all tumors are malignant or cancerous; some are benign and made up of cells that won't spread
How does Cancer Arise?
- Cancer arises from changes to normal cells (mutations) leading to a series of changes
- The three primary stages of cancer development: Initiation, Promotion, and Progression
Initiation
- Initiation occurs when a cell's DNA is mutated due to random, inherited, or environmental factors
- Mutated cells may engage in self-repair, self-destruction, or be destroyed by the immune system
Promotion
- During promotion, the genetically altered cell is stimulated to divide, and the mutated DNA is locked into each new cell's genetic instructions
- Promotion is the longest stage in cancer development, taking many years for a mutated cell to double repeatedly into a tumor mass
Progression
- During progression, cancerous cells grow out of control, growing their own blood vessels and invading adjacent tissues
- In the early stage of progression, the immune system can sometimes detect and destroy cancerous cells
Factors Influencing Cancer Risk
- In the US, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is 42% in men and 38% in women
- Factors influencing cancer risk include nonmodifiable factors (family history, genetic susceptibility) and modifiable factors (exposures, lifestyle choices)
- Modifiable risk factors with the greatest impact on individual cancer risk include tobacco use, weight, diet, and physical activity, infectious agents, and ultraviolet radiation
This quiz covers the basics of cancer biology, including the characteristics of cancer cells and the formation of tumors.
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