Understanding Cancer

Overview

• Examination of why individuals in a lab setting commonly inquire about causes of death.
• Often, bodies in the lab have died from cancer, with different types shared such as colorectal, breast, and lung cancer.

Cancer Origin

• Cancer begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably due to DNA errors.
• Proto-oncogenes are genes that normally guide cell growth, but when mutated become oncogenes, promoting cancer.
• Tumor suppressor genes or anti-oncogenes normally help prevent cancer by suppressing oncogenes.

Mechanisms Preventing Cancer

1. Natural Cell Death: Many mutated cells die due to lower survival abilities.
2. Built-in Controls: Most mutants retain normal feedback mechanisms to stop overgrowth.
3. Immune System: White blood cells and antibodies target and eliminate cells expressing abnormal proteins.
4. Multiple Mutations Required: Cancer typically needs multiple gene mutations to form.

Causes of Mutations

• Mutations can arise from natural cell division.
• Increased risks occur due to environmental exposure: ionizing radiation, carcinogens (such as in cigarette smoke), physical irritants, and viruses.
• Genetics play a role; predisposed families may have inherited mutations.

Cancer Mechanisms

• Cancer cells form tumors, which can be benign (encapsulated) or malignant (able to spread).
• Metastasis describes the movement of cancer cells to new sites, often leading to death.
• Cancers become deadly when they impact vital organs.

Treatment and Challenges

• Detecting and treating cancer early is critical.
• Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells but also affects healthy cells, leading to side effects.
• The challenge is creating treatments that differentiate between cancerous and healthy cells.

Conclusion

• Memorization is important, but the application of knowledge is crucial in real-world scenarios.
• Continuous research and education, like using interactive platforms such as Brilliant, can aid in understanding complex topics.

Additional Resources

• Brilliant.org offers interactive lessons in various fields, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking.