Understanding Cancer - Notes PDF

Understanding cancer Prepared by Mr. Costa Announcements Mark update is out! Fossil fuels project – Due tomorrow (Friday) Mitosis cell lab – Due Monday Learning goals I understand what a carcinogen is, and I am able to give examples of a few I have some general knowled...

Understanding cancer Prepared by Mr. Costa Announcements Mark update is out! Fossil fuels project – Due tomorrow (Friday) Mitosis cell lab – Due Monday Learning goals I understand what a carcinogen is, and I am able to give examples of a few I have some general knowledge of what cancer is I am able to name a few methods to prevent cancer Minds on: Coin flips What are the odds of flipping a coin and getting heads twice? What about 5 times? What about 10 times? What is a carcinogen? A carcinogen is any substance, organism or thing that can cause cancer. There are several things that can be considered a carcinogen, but the most common ones are: Radon (a gas) Radiation and sun exposure Formaldehyde Alcohol (drinks) Processed meat DON’T PANIC!! Most carcinogens present in our day-to-day life aren’t as severe as it sounds. Most of them increase your chances of having cancer over LONG (years) periods of exposure. In the case of foods, this means eating them regularly. Radon detectors in our homes The genetics of cancer: Oncogenes Our cells have genes that are linked to reduction (or increase) of cancers. Remember that every time cells divide they have a tiny chance of making a mistake, which is usually detected. Mistakes that aren’t detected compound (increase) over time, increasing the chances of developing cancer Benign vs malignant tumors Benign tumors – Abnormal cells that are localized to one spot in the body. They do not spread to other areas. Malignant tumors – These are cancer cells that go through metastasis – In other words, they can spread out to different areas of the body. Both tumors can manifest themselves as a small lump somewhere in your body What is cancer? It is actually many diseases combined into one thing – Basically each type of cancer is a completely different disease The main characteristic of cancer cells is that they grow uncontrollably, much faster than normal cells. On top of that, they do not communicate with other cells in our bodies. What is cancer? Cells are able to communicate and “send signals” to one another regarding how they’re doing Cancer cells start behaving differently and no longer communicate with other cells – This allows the immune system to find them, tag them and destroy them Some cancer cells are able to avoid immune system detection, however! → Divide uncontrollably, destroying healthy cells in the process Chemotherapy This is the most famous treatment for cancer and usually targets fast-dividing cells (Why do you think this is a good strategy?) Side effects are a result of rapidly-dividing cells in your body also being harmed in the process Cancer prevention Most people can only think about “not smoking”, but there are many things that can help you prevent from having cancer Learning about your family’s history regarding cancer is also tremendously important – and to let your doctors know about it Cancer prevention - Vaccines The HPV vaccine is available for a few years already – it is safe and helps protect yourself and your loved one as well. Cancer – Remission vs cure The stages of cancer: TedEd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwCBEgjUluU Exit ticket Please fill out the exit ticket posted on google classroom – Use the remaining time to work on your homework or catch up on the fossil fuel project!