Cancer Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of cancerous cells during the progression stage?

They die off on their own without treatment.

They stop growing and remain dormant.

They grow out of control and invade adjacent tissues. (correct)

They become benign and non-cancerous.

What is one way the immune system may respond to cancerous cells?

It ignores them completely.

It only responds to benign cells.

It always lets them grow into tumors.

It detects and destroys them. (correct)

What is a potential outcome if cancerous cells continue to grow?

They will never cause symptoms.

They will never spread to other parts of the body.

They will always become benign.

They will develop into malignant tumors. (correct)

What is the estimated lifetime risk of developing cancer in men in the US?

42% (1 in 2) Signup and view all the answers

What type of factor can increase an individual's risk of developing cancer?

Both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a nonmodifiable risk factor for cancer?

Family history Signup and view all the answers

What is a modifiable risk factor for cancer that has the greatest impact, according to the American Cancer Society?

Tobacco use Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an infectious agent that can increase cancer risk?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of cancer cells?

They reproduce spontaneously and independently Signup and view all the answers

What is a tumor?

A newly formed mass of undifferentiated cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of cancer development?

Initiation Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to cells with mutated DNA?

They can engage in self-repair, self-destruction, or be destroyed by the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the promotion stage of cancer development?

The mutated cell is stimulated to divide Signup and view all the answers

Why can't enzymes detect alterations in the DNA during the promotion stage?

Because the enzymes are unable to detect alterations in the DNA Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for a mutated cell to double repeatedly into a tumor mass?

Many years Signup and view all the answers

What is true about not every tumor being malignant?

Many tumors are benign and are made up of cells that will not spread widely Signup and view all the answers

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