Our bodies are made of cells, which grow, work, reproduce and die

Genes on the DNA control when cells grow, work, reproduce and die

Normally, cells obey these instructions Occasionally, these instructions get mixed

up, and cells will divide unnecessarily Some of these cells can form lumps or

tumours, or even spread throughout the body

A mix up in the instructions or a mutation in a piece of DNA that controls the cell cycle, could develop into cancer

Because you have two copies of theses instructions (from your mom and dad), it often takes a couple of mutations for cancer to start

As mutations accumulate, there is less and less control on the cell cycle

Theses are referred to as Carcinogenic or cancer

causing:Ultraviolet lightCosmic RaysX RaysChemicals (eg. Eg. Benzo-a-pyrene

- found in coal tar - found in cigarette smoke - found in overcooked meats)

Once a cell starts to divide uncontrollably and forms a mass, this mass of cells is called a tumour

Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign tumour cells stay in one place in the body and are not usually life-threatening.

Malignant tumour cells are able to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body are called metastases.

Lung cancer starts in the cells of the lung

Causes Smoking tobacco is the main cause exposure to asbestos exposure to radon gas having had lung cancer before family history of lung cancer air pollution

Most colorectal cancers start in the cells that line the inside of the colon or the rectum.

Risk Factors age – particularly after 50 alcohol consumption smoking physical inactivity obesity high-fat diet – may be missing out on important vitamins,

fibre and antioxidants (natural cancer fighting compounds)

Caused by Ultaviolet radiation (UVA and UVB rays)

UVA rays penetrate the layers of the skin more deeply compared to UVB rays but both can be damaging to the skin

UVB rays cause the burningSensation while UVA rays ageyour skin

Most cancers take years to develop so they are detected later in life

To reduce your risk: Quit soking Protect your skin from the sun Do self-examination for early detection as in

breast cancer Exercise regularily Eat plenty of fruits and veggies

Moles – an early indicator of cancer

Diagnostic techniques X-rays – useful in detecting cancers that form

in some internal body parts

Mammogram – type of x-ray used to detect breat cancer

Confirming Cancer – doing a biopsy A biopsy is a surgery where a small portion of

the suspected tumour is removed and the cells are compared to normal cells of that area.

Radiation Therapy – ionizing radiation is used to kill the cells of the cancer

Chemotherapy – uses chemicals to stop cancer cells from dividing

Surgery – remove the tumour from the body

Artificial Sweeteners? No conclusive evidenceFluoridated Water No association found/no increased riskHeterocyclic amines in cooked meat Increase in cancer risk

Abortions No increased risk foundOral Contraceptives Reduced risk of ovarian cancer, increased

risk of breast, liver and cervical cancersBreast Implants No association found

Cell Phones No conclusive evidence found, but

research is recommended to continueAntiperspirants/Deodorants No evidence of link to breast cancer

(conflicting evidence)Microwave Ovens No evidence of link to cancer

Cigarette Smoke Duh!Second Hand Smoke Direct link. Over 60 carcinogens found in

second hand smokeThird Hand Smoke (cigarette smoke

residues found on furniture/carpets etc) Emerging evidence is suggesting a health

risk, which may include cancer