HLTH201 Lecture 6: Health201, lecture 6

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Health Studies
• Course: HLTH201
• Professor: All

Document Summary

Cancer: cancer is an acquired disorder of genetics (not necessarily born with cancer but develop it over time-certain genes may increase the risk of getting cancer). As these cells grow, they steal all nutrients, cause lots of inflammation, etc. Why does this happen: proto-oncogenes control cell division. Immune system identifies cells that are not normal and destroy them but with age there is decreased immune surveillance. Cancer growth: starts with one cell that has sustained enough genetic damage that it can start multiplying on its own (multiples to form a tumor/lump-able to divert and grow its blood supply and nutrients ). Hyperplasia happens at this point (meaning too much growth: dysplasia you get enough dna damage that if you look under a microscope you can say for sure that this cell is completely abnormal, cancer follows after this. Gets into contact with blood vessels, spreads via lymphatic system and blood stream. Treatments: surgery (generally the intent here is to cure).