Prentice Hall - Science Explorer - Cells and Heredity
Chapter 2- Cell Processes and Energy
Section 4- Cancer
Questions - Comment - Key Words - ConnectionsCancer Mutation Tumor Chemotherapy |
Main Ideas; Visuals + PredictionsWhat is Cancer?
Cancer: A disease in which some body cells grow and divide uncontrollably, damaging the parts of the body around them. * cancer cells can overrun normal cells. How Cancer Begins Mutation: A change in a gene or chromosome. * DNA is important in cells because it is like an instruction to carry out its functions and if it is damaged the cell reacts abnormally. * Cancer begins when mutations interfere with the normal cell cycle, it causes the cells to divide in an uncontrolled way. Tumor: A mass of abnormal cells that develops when cancerous cells divide and grow uncontrollably. How Cancer Spreads * When the cells become more and more abnormal as they continue to divide, some of the cancerous cells may break off the tumor and enter the bloodstream going in other areas of the body. Treating and Preventing Cancer
Treating Cancer * There are three common ways to treat cancer: surgery, radiation, and drugs that destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer. Preventing Cancer * People can reduce their chances of developing cancer by avoiding smoking (Lung Cancer), eating a healthful diet (unhealthy food can give Cancer), and protecting their skin from bright sunlight (UV light). |