Unit 3.1.3 When Cells Lose Control
Cancer is caused by the characteristic of abnormal cells with unregulated cell division. There are over 100 different types of cancers with varying symptoms. Treatment can be chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. There are many risk factors of cancer including: chemicals (such as Benzene), drinking excess alcohol, environmental toxins, excessive sunlight exposure, genetics, obesity, radiation, and viruses. However, many causes of cancer remains unknown. Tests that can detect cancer include: tumor biopsy, blood test, bone marrow biopsy, chest x-ray, complete blood count, CT scan, Liver function test, and an MRI scan.
Cancerous cells don't have a regulated cell cycle where they undergo a mutated cell division and not apoptosis. Cancer cells can originate in Proto-oncogenes, then can spread to oncogenes or by metastasis. Some tumor suppressor genes can mutate and progress to cancer, even if it's job is to protect a cell from cancer. Cancer can travel to other parts of the body through the blood vessels and can create oncogenes where ever located.
Cancerous cells don't have a regulated cell cycle where they undergo a mutated cell division and not apoptosis. Cancer cells can originate in Proto-oncogenes, then can spread to oncogenes or by metastasis. Some tumor suppressor genes can mutate and progress to cancer, even if it's job is to protect a cell from cancer. Cancer can travel to other parts of the body through the blood vessels and can create oncogenes where ever located.
3.1.4 DNA Microarray
DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots attached to a solid surface. DNA microarrays are used by scientists to measure expression levels of large numbers of genes at the same time or to genotype multiple genomic regions.
3.1.5 Unlocking the Secrets in Our Genes
Special calculations are needed for microarray results because this would help scientists in determining the exact mutant gene to normal gene ratio. Microarray helps in identifying certain genes affected by this mutation the most. It could be used to help identify exactly what genes are most lethal so that treatment may be more affected, or so that it can be tested to see if the mutinous genes are hereditary and can be detected early for family members. What I have learned about the Pearson Correlation Coefficient is that it compares two different variables, and can further contrast them so that we may see which gene essentially is more cancerous.
3.2.1 Am I at Risk?
Factors in everyday life that could increase your chances of getting lung cancer include smoking or second hand smoke, radon (naturally occurring gas found in rocks & dirt; trapped in houses & buildings), family history, and substances found in the work place (asbestos, arsenic, diesel exhaust). Factors in everyday life that could decrease your chances of lung cancer include not smoking (or quitting), avoiding second hand smoke, eating healthy and exercising regularly, testing your home for radon, and avoiding carcinogens at work.
3.2.2 Skin Cancer Prevention
In this activity, I have learned that even the smallest exposure to UV light can help the mutated cells in their stimulation and death. I have also learned that if you have blonde, red, or light brown hair, you can get skin cancer easier, as well as if you have green, blue, or hazel eyes.
3.2.4 Virology
There are several viruses linked with cancer, such as HPVs, EBV, HBV, and HCV. HPV causes an infection of warts in several parts of the body and can cause cervical cancer. It can be treated with Imiquimod or Trichloroacetic acid to the affected are, HPV vaccines, or cryosurgery. EBV causes "glandular fever" and can cause Hodgkin's Lymphoma, or Burkitt's Lymphoma. Treatment includes corticosteroids for swelling, and antivirals for those with oral hairy Leukoplasia. HBV causes an infection in the liver and may cause liver cancer. Treatment can be an administered vaccine, or a shot of hepatitus immune globulin. HCV causes liver inflammation, blood infection, and liver scarring, and can also cause liver cancer. Treatment can include direct acting antiviral drugs, or Victrelis.
HIV is also a virus that can be linked to cancer. This virus causes AIDS, and is indirectly linked to cancers due to increased likelihood of getting cancer after infection. HIV is commonly spread between humans through bodily fluids, such as blood, and can not be spread by casual contact. HIV infection leads to higher risk of cervical cancer, Hodgkin disease, lung cancer, and throat and mouth cancer.
A virologist studies viruses that affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi, and plants, in community, clinical, agricultural, and natural environments.
HIV is also a virus that can be linked to cancer. This virus causes AIDS, and is indirectly linked to cancers due to increased likelihood of getting cancer after infection. HIV is commonly spread between humans through bodily fluids, such as blood, and can not be spread by casual contact. HIV infection leads to higher risk of cervical cancer, Hodgkin disease, lung cancer, and throat and mouth cancer.
A virologist studies viruses that affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi, and plants, in community, clinical, agricultural, and natural environments.
Unit 3.2.5 Routine Screenings
3.3.1 A Diary of Cancer
Two patients, Mike and Charlie, write a blog/diary expressing their experiences with different types of cancer treatments. In this activity, we followed them in their journey through chemotherapy and radiation treatments and learned more about the specifics of each treatment and how it affects specific types of cancer.
3.3.4 Physical Occupational Therapy
In this activity, we assumed the role of a physical therapist or occupational therapist and with a partner designed a comprehensive rehab plan for the individual coping with a disabling physical condition. This plan is to help the patient regain lost function and perform skills necessary to lead a relatively normal life.