35 1.1: Introduction to Cancer
Cancer: What is it?
Cancer can arise form either genetic predispositions we have inherited from our parents, or from gene mutations and damage from environmental factors throughout someones lifespan (National Cancer Institute 1). Arise from DNA changes which cause uncontrollable cell growth because they cannot be “turned off” (National Cancer Institute 1). Cancer cells form tumors, which can manipulate their microenvironment in order to receive blood supply and nutrients to keep them alive (National Cancer Institute 1).
Definitions
Microenvironment- In the case of a tumor, is the immediate environment where a tumour can utilize blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts to interact with the host.
Tumor- A mass of abnormal cells which has constantly proliferated and divided. Can be benign or malignant.
Benign tumors are groups of cells that are non invasive, well differentiated and not cancerous. Malignant tumors appear where cell growth is abnormal or uncontrolled, and where these cells can then grow into nearby tissue or metastasize to other areas through the blood or the lymphatic system (Fayed 1). These cancerous tumours can occur anywhere in the body and vary in either early or late stage cancer if it has spread to other areas of the body besides the initial area (Fayed 1). Cancer cells can avoid signals inducing apoptosis, allowing them to grow uncontrollably. Cancer cells are able to “hide” from the body immune system in order to continuously grow and metastasize (National Cancer Institute 1).
Figure 1: Video depicting the anatomy and development of cancer. Video obtained from:https://youtu.be/SGaQ0WwZ_0I
Cancer can occur anywhere in the body, making them hard to treat and target specifically. However, many new cancer treatments have been discovered and are used today to treat even the most aggressive forms of cancer in order to improve quality of life and extend lifespans. As of today, dance can be treated by many therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy (NIH, 1).
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