🔑 Key Definitions
Cancer: Uncontrolled cell growth forming malignant tumors
Metastasis: Cancer spreading to other body parts
Carcinogen: Substance that causes cancer
Oncology: Medical specialty dealing with cancer
Remission: Period when cancer signs decrease or disappear
Metastasis: Cancer spreading to other body parts
Carcinogen: Substance that causes cancer
Oncology: Medical specialty dealing with cancer
Remission: Period when cancer signs decrease or disappear
🧠 Cancer Risk Factors
- Behavioral:
- Smoking (30% of cancer deaths!)
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol
- Sun exposure
- Biological:
- Genetic mutations
- Family history
- Age
- Environmental:
- Radiation
- Toxic chemicals
📊 Cancer Treatment Types
- Surgery: Remove tumor
- Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells
- Radiation: High-energy rays to destroy cancer
- Immunotherapy: Boost immune system to fight cancer
- Hormone Therapy: Block hormones that fuel cancer
🛠 Psychosocial Issues in Cancer
- Fear and anxiety about diagnosis
- Depression (very common)
- Body image issues (hair loss, surgery scars)
- Treatment side effects (nausea, fatigue)
- Existential concerns
- Family burden
💡 Exam Tips
- SMOKING causes ~30% of cancer deaths - biggest behavioral risk!
- Metastasis = cancer SPREADING to other locations
- Chemotherapy affects ALL fast-dividing cells (hence hair loss)
- Psychological support improves quality of life AND may affect outcomes
- Cancer is NOT a single disease - many different types