Health and Wellness
Cancer
Chapter 12
Terminology Review:
1. Cancer – Abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth.
2. Benign tumor - A tumor that is not malignant or cancerous.
3. Malignant tumor - A tumor that is cancerous and capable of spreading.
4. Lymphatic system – A system of vessels that returns proteins, lipids, and other substances
from fluid in the tissues to the circulatory system.
5. Leukemia - Malignant disease of the blood-forming system.
6. Metastasis - The spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another.
7. Remission - Condition in which there are no symptoms or other evidence of disease.
8. Carcinogens - Any substances that cause cancer.
9. Mammogram - An x-ray of the breasts used for early detection of breast cancer.
10. Ultrasonography - An imaging method in which sound waves are bounced off body
structures to create an image on a monitor.
11. Biopsy - The removal and examination of a small piece of body tissue.
12. Palpation - Examination by touch.
13. PSA blood test – A diagnostic test for prostate cancer that measures blood levels of prostate-specific
antigen (PSA)
14. Pap test - A scraping of cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope to
detect cancer.
15. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - Light rays of a specific wavelength emitted by the sun; most
UV rays are blocked by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Exposure to ultraviolet
A(UVA) and/or B(UVB) rays is linked to the development of skin cancer.
16. Melanoma - A malignant tumor of the skin that arises from pigmented cells, usually a mole.
17. Basal cell carcinoma - Cancer of the deepest layers of the skin.
18. Squamous cell carcinoma - Cancer of the surface layers of the skin.
19. Chromosomes – The threadlike bodies in a cell nucleus that contain molecules of DNA, most
human cells contain 23 pairs of
chromosomes.
20. DNA –
Deoxyribonucleic acid, a chemical
substance that carries genetic information.
21. Gene –
A section of a chromosome that
contains the instructions for making a particular
protein, the basic unit of
heredity.
22. Oncogene – A
gene involved in the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer
cell.
23. Carotenoid – Any of a group of yellow-to-red plan pigments; some can be converted to vitamin A
by the liver, and many act as antioxidants or have other anticancer effects. The carotenoids include
beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin.
24. Antioxidant - A compound that protects other compounds from being chemically altered or
destroyed through oxidation reactions. Antioxidants can help prevent alternation of DNA by
certain compounds.
25. Free Radicals – Electron-seeking compounds that can react with fats, proteins, and DNA, damaging
cell membranes and mutating genes in their search for electrons; produced through chemical reactions
in the body and through exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight and tobacco smoke.
26. Phytochemical – A naturally occurring substance found in plant foods that may help prevent chronic diseases
such as cancer and heart diseases; phyto means plant.
27. Sun screen - used to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays; usually applied as an ointment or cream.
Chapter 12/Study Questions:
1. What is cancer, and are all tumors malignant?
2. How many
people in the
3. What is thought to be linked to the rise in lung cancer in women?
4. What is the chief risk factor for lung cancer?
5. What is the chief risk factor for colorectal cancer?
6. Why is breast cancer called a “disease of civilization”?
7. What is the 3-part program for early detection in breast that is recommended by the American
Cancer Society?
8. How common is prostate cancer in men, and what are the risk factors for this type of cancer?
9. What are the primary risk factors for uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancer?
10. What precautions should a person take to decrease personal risk of skin cancer?
11. What signs should a person look for when assessing a mole for possible cancerous changes?
12. What is the primary risk factor for oral cancers, and what role does alcohol use play?
13. What influence does heredity have on cancer, and how does heredity compare to
environmental hazards in terms of cancer risk?
14. What dietary factors are important for cancer risk?
15. What can a person do to promote early detection of cancer?
16. How can a person’s lifestyle reduce risk of cancer?
17. Who should practice breast self-examination (BSE), and how often should this be done?
18. What can you do to protect yourself from sun exposure?
19. What is an SPF rating?
20. When should testicular self-examination (TSE) be conducted, and how often?
21. What dietary changes can help reduce a person’s risk for cancer?