What is cancer?GNF

• A group of different diseases which share the common feature of uncontrolled cell growth

• Can affect almost any tissue in which cells divide

• Second largest cause of death behind heart disease

Different types of cancerGNF

What causes cancer?GNF

Cancer takes a long time to developGNF

Things you probably should avoid…GNF

Benign vs. Malignant

• Benign – “non-cancerous” tumors

• Malignant – cancer cells that have the ability to metastasize. – Spread to other parts of the body

dysplasiahyperplasia

In situ cancer invasive cancer

metastasisinvasive cancer

Benign

Malignant

Cancer ProgressionGNF

Cancer chromosomesGNF

Cell Cycle• Cell Cycle: the growth of the cell (_________)

and subsequent division into 2 identical cells (mitosis and __________)

G1 – cell growth (ribosomes,Mitochondria, etc. double)

S – DNA replicated

G2 – preparation for mitosis

M – Mitosis (nuclear division)

C (not shown) – Cytokinesis (cellular division)

Which steps make up interphase?_____ _______ _______

~ 85% of a cells life isspent inInterphase.

Where wouldcytokinesis fit inthis chart?

interphase

cytokinesis

G1 G2S

Cancer

• Growth resulting from the uncontrolled growth of the cell cycle

• Cell cycle normally regulated by proteins called __________ and certain enzymes that activate the cyclin proteins.

• Cell cycle is largely controlled at the stage just before DNA replication.

cyclins

P53 and Cell cycle regulation

• Found on chromosome 17

• p53 Gene (what’s a gene again?) codes for the p53 protein.

• P53 protein binds to DNA and stops the cell cycle.

• When p53 is mutated as with most cancer cells, protein can no longer bind DNA and cell cycle runs unchecked.

__________ are large balls of cancer cells

p53 protein binding to DNA

Causes of Cancer

• Both genetic (passed down in DNA) and environmental factors (and sometimes viral infections)– Environmental

damage affects the genes that control the cell cycle (mutations)

Big time!

Treatment and prevention

• chemotherapy, radiation, stem cells?• Prevention

– Don't smoke or chew tobacco

– Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and high-fiber foods

– Keep active and avoid getting overweight

– Protect yourself in the sun

– Take care with chemicals

– See your doctor about unusual lumps, moles, sores and bleeding

– See your doctor about any persistent changes, for example, altered bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, hoarseness, coughs, indigestion or lack or appetite, generally feeling unwell.

– Check yourself out - learn how to check your breasts or testicles