Podcast
Questions and Answers
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the ______.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the ______.
world
Some general signs of cancer include fatigue and unexplained ______.
Some general signs of cancer include fatigue and unexplained ______.
weight changes
Errors in the instructions within ______ can lead to cancer.
Errors in the instructions within ______ can lead to cancer.
DNA
A persistent cough or difficulty ______ can be symptoms of cancer.
A persistent cough or difficulty ______ can be symptoms of cancer.
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Cancer cells lose the controls that tell them when to stop ______.
Cancer cells lose the controls that tell them when to stop ______.
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If you are worried about your risk of cancer, you should discuss your concerns with your ______.
If you are worried about your risk of cancer, you should discuss your concerns with your ______.
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Skin changes such as yellowing or sores that won't ______ can indicate cancer.
Skin changes such as yellowing or sores that won't ______ can indicate cancer.
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Gene mutations can instruct cells to allow rapid ______.
Gene mutations can instruct cells to allow rapid ______.
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Cancer survivors have a risk of cancer __________.
Cancer survivors have a risk of cancer __________.
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Smoking is linked to several types of cancer — not just __________ cancer.
Smoking is linked to several types of cancer — not just __________ cancer.
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Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of __________ cancer.
Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of __________ cancer.
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Choose a diet rich in fruits and __________.
Choose a diet rich in fruits and __________.
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Aim for at least 30 minutes of __________ most days of the week.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of __________ most days of the week.
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Being __________ or obese may increase your risk of cancer.
Being __________ or obese may increase your risk of cancer.
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Immunizations may help prevent viruses including hepatitis B, which increases the risk of __________ cancer.
Immunizations may help prevent viruses including hepatitis B, which increases the risk of __________ cancer.
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Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer __________ exams are best for you.
Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer __________ exams are best for you.
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A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene allows cancer cells to continue growing and ______.
A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene allows cancer cells to continue growing and ______.
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DNA repair genes look for errors in a cell's DNA and make ______.
DNA repair genes look for errors in a cell's DNA and make ______.
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The gene mutations you're born with and those that you acquire throughout your life work ______ to cause cancer.
The gene mutations you're born with and those that you acquire throughout your life work ______ to cause cancer.
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Gene mutations can occur for several reasons, including those you are born ______.
Gene mutations can occur for several reasons, including those you are born ______.
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Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and being ______, are known to increase your risk of cancer.
Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and being ______, are known to increase your risk of cancer.
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Cancer can take decades to develop; that's why most people diagnosed with cancer are ______ or older.
Cancer can take decades to develop; that's why most people diagnosed with cancer are ______ or older.
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While only a small portion of cancers are due to an inherited ______, family history can play a role.
While only a small portion of cancers are due to an inherited ______, family history can play a role.
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The environment around you may contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of ______.
The environment around you may contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of ______.
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Certain cancers and cancer treatments can cause ______, which can often be managed with medications.
Certain cancers and cancer treatments can cause ______, which can often be managed with medications.
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Pain can be caused by cancer or by cancer ______, though not all cancer is painful.
Pain can be caused by cancer or by cancer ______, though not all cancer is painful.
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A mutation in a DNA repair gene may mean that other errors aren't ______, leading cells to become cancerous.
A mutation in a DNA repair gene may mean that other errors aren't ______, leading cells to become cancerous.
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Obesity, hormones, and chronic inflammation are examples of factors that can cause gene mutations after ______.
Obesity, hormones, and chronic inflammation are examples of factors that can cause gene mutations after ______.
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Cancer and its treatment can sometimes lead to ______ system problems, including pain and loss of function.
Cancer and its treatment can sometimes lead to ______ system problems, including pain and loss of function.
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Fatigue associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy is ______, but it's usually temporary.
Fatigue associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy is ______, but it's usually temporary.
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Unusual immune system reactions to cancer can lead to symptoms called ______ syndromes.
Unusual immune system reactions to cancer can lead to symptoms called ______ syndromes.
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Cancer that advances may ______ to other parts of the body, depending on the type.
Cancer that advances may ______ to other parts of the body, depending on the type.
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Study Notes
Cancer Overview
- Cancer is a group of diseases marked by uncontrolled cell growth, spreading to other body parts.
- It's the second leading cause of death globally, though survival rates are improving due to better screenings, treatments, and prevention.
Cancer Symptoms
- Cancer symptoms vary based on affected body part.
- Common, non-specific symptoms include fatigue, lumps, weight changes, skin changes (color or sores), bowel/bladder issues, persistent cough/trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, indigestion, muscle/joint pain, fever/night sweats, unexplained bleeding/bruising.
- Seek medical attention for persistent concerning symptoms.
- Discuss cancer risk factors with a doctor even without symptoms; get appropriate screenings.
Cancer Causes
- Cancer arises from DNA mutations within cells.
- Genes hold instructions for cell functions and growth/division.
- Mutations can cause cells to malfunction, leading to cancer.
Types of Mutations
- Mutations cause rapid cell growth.
- Mutations disable tumor suppressor genes, which normally control cell growth.
- Mutations interfere with DNA repair mechanisms.
Causes of Gene Mutations
- Inherited mutations (from parents; rare).
- Mutations acquired after birth (common) due to factors like smoking, radiation, viruses, chemicals (carcinogens), obesity, hormones, inflammation, and lack of exercise.
- Normal cell growth sometimes involves errors; sometimes, errors are not repaired, leading to cancer.
Gene Mutation Interactions
- Inherited and acquired mutations combine to cause cancer.
- Pre-disposition to cancer (inherited mutations) doesn't guarantee cancer, but increases the risk (may need other mutations).
- Accumulated mutations are required for cancer formation but the exact number varies.
Risk Factors
- Age: Most cancer diagnoses are in people aged 65 or older, but it can affect people of any age.
- Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol (males >2 drinks/day, females >1 drink/day), excessive sun exposure, obesity, and unsafe sex increase cancer risk.
- Family history: Inherited conditions are contributors to some cancers; genetic testing can help identify inherited risks.
- Health conditions: Some chronic health conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis) increase cancer risks.
- Environment: Exposure to harmful chemicals (e.g., asbestos, benzene) or second-hand smoke also increases cancer risks.
Cancer Complications
- Pain (cancer or treatment related).
- Fatigue (from cancer or treatment).
- Breathing difficulties.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea/Constipation.
- Weight loss (often from cancer itself).
- Chemical imbalances (excessive thirst, urination, constipation, confusion).
- Nervous system problems (cancer pressing on nerves).
- Brain cancer (headaches, stroke-like symptoms).
- Unusual immune system reactions (paraneoplastic syndromes).
- Metastasis (cancer spread to other parts of the body).
- Recurrence (cancer return).
Cancer Prevention
- Quit smoking.
- Limit sun exposure (shade, protective clothing, sunscreen).
- Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins).
- Exercise regularly (aim for 30 minutes most days).
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink alcohol moderately.
- Get cancer screenings (as appropriate).
- Get immunizations for viruses increasing cancer risks (e.g., hepatitis B, HPV).
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Description
This quiz covers essential aspects of cancer, including its definition, symptoms, causes, and types of mutations. Understand how uncontrolled cell growth leads to cancer and recognize common signs that warrant medical attention. Explore the importance of genetic mutations in the development of this disease.
