Cancer

Definition

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, leading to the formation of tumors that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. This uncontrolled proliferation occurs when the regulatory mechanisms of the cell cycle, particularly during mitosis, fail due to genetic mutations or external factors. Cancer can disrupt normal cellular functions and has the potential to affect overall health severely.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cancer cells bypass the normal checkpoints in the cell cycle, allowing for continuous and unregulated division.
2. There are over 100 different types of cancer, with varying characteristics and treatment responses.
3. Genetic mutations can be inherited or acquired due to environmental factors like smoking, radiation, or certain viruses.
4. The early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
5. Treatment options for cancer often include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging targeted therapies or immunotherapy.

Review Questions

• How does the failure of cell cycle checkpoints contribute to the development of cancer?
  • Cell cycle checkpoints are critical control mechanisms that ensure cells only divide when conditions are favorable and genetic integrity is maintained. In cancer, mutations can disable these checkpoints, allowing cells to bypass crucial regulatory steps in the cell cycle. As a result, this leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation, creating an environment where cancer can develop as cells continue to divide unchecked.
• Discuss the role of genetic mutations in both inherited and acquired cancers.
  • Genetic mutations play a pivotal role in cancer development, with some individuals inheriting specific mutations that predispose them to certain cancers, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Additionally, acquired mutations can result from environmental factors such as exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke or UV radiation. Both types of mutations disrupt normal cell function and contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer.
• Evaluate how advancements in targeted therapies have changed the approach to treating cancer compared to traditional methods.
  • Advancements in targeted therapies represent a significant shift in cancer treatment by focusing on specific genetic alterations within tumors rather than using broad approaches like chemotherapy and radiation. Targeted therapies aim to inhibit pathways that promote tumor growth and survival, resulting in potentially fewer side effects and improved effectiveness. This personalized approach allows for more precise treatments tailored to individual patients based on their tumor's unique molecular characteristics, enhancing outcomes in cancer care.

Related terms

tumor: A mass of tissue formed by an accumulation of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

metastasis: The process by which cancer cells spread from the primary site of origin to distant sites in the body, forming secondary tumors.

oncogene: A mutated gene that has the potential to cause cancer, typically through promoting excessive cell division or inhibiting normal cell death.