Genetic Damage and Mutation

1. Genetic Damage and Mutation

2. Cancer results from the accumulation of genetic damage to cells across time*** • Cancer cells differ from normal cells • Their shape and appearance is different.**** • There are changes in their dependence on growth factors • There is a multitude of biochemical differences

4. Cancer is a multi-step process, which explains: • Increased incidence of cancer with age*** • Development of cancer can be decades after exposure to carcinogens ***** • Increased incidence of cancer among people with inherited dispositions

5. Knowledge to improve personal and public health • Good choices can reduce an individual’s risk of developing cancer • Levels of cancer prevention: • Individual behavior changes • Health care providers – counseling and screening • National level – government regulations to minimize public exposure to known carcinogens • International level – actions of developed countries bring cancer treatment worldwide

6. Risk factors for skin cancer • Excessive exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation • Fair complexion • Occupational exposure to substances • Coal tar • Creosote • Arsenic compounds • Radium

7. Good choices can improve an individual’s chance of survival if he/she develops cancer • There is improved detection • There is improved treatment • Ethical values sometimes conflict in public policy debates about strategies for reducing the risk of cancer

8. Ethics is a process of rational inquiry • Ethics requires a solid foundation of information and careful interpretation of that information • There are often competing, well-reasoned answers to what is right and wrong, or good or bad

9. Questions • What is the relationship between exposure to carcinogens and the development of cancer? • Answer: Cancer can develop decades after exposure to carcinogens. • What is actually happening in a person’s lungs when the person develops cancer? • Answer: the cancer cells multiply rapidly, taking up space and nutrients from the normal cells.

10. When a physician looks at cells under the microscope, how can she tell if the cells are cancer cells? • Answer: By the appearance changes • If children wear protective headwear and clothing when outside during peak hours of UV exposure, what would be the result? • Answer: Most skin cancers would be prevented.

11. Some people inherit a disposition to develop cancer. What does that mean? • Answer: They are more likely to develop cancer than the general population. • The best example of a government regulation that would minimize exposure to carcinogens would be: • Answer: Banning cigarette smoking in public places.

12. In normal cell growth, what regulates the cell growth cycle? • Answer: Genes • Cancer results from what type of damage to cells over time? • Answer: Genetic • The development of cancer most likely occurs due to: • Answer: multiple exposures over time.

13. How do healthcare providers participate in cancer prevention? • Answer: they routinely perform cancer screening. • Why is overexposure to the sun a risk factor in the development of skin cancer? • Answer: ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells. • Coal tar and radium are both examples of: • Answer: known carcinogens.