Science set 8

Mutation

A change in a gene or chromosome.

cancer

A disease in which some body cells grow and divide uncontrollably, damaging the parts of the body around them.

Tumor

A mass of abnormal cells that develops when cancerous cells divide and grow uncontrollably.

What are three ways cancer can be prevented?

By avoiding smoking, eating a healthful diet, and protecting their skin from bright sunlight.

What is thought to be the cause of cancer?

Cancer begins when mutations disrupt the normal cell cycle, causing cells to divide in an uncontrolled way.

How is surgery used to treat cancer?

If, however, the cancer has spread or if the tumor cannot be removed, doctors may use radiation.

What are three ways to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation?

Most skin cancers are caused by the ultraviolet light in sunlight. If people limit their exposure to bright sunlight, they can reduce their risk of getting skin cancer.

How is radiation used to treat cancer?

Radiation consists of beams of high-energy waves. Fast-growing cancer cells are more likely than normal cells to be destroyed by radiation

How can cancer spread from one part of the body to another?

The cells become more and more abnormal as they continue to divide. Some of the cancerous cells may break off the tumor and enter the bloodstream.

Chemotherapy

The use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer.

What type of diet can lead to cancer?

Unhealthful diets

Why is a combination of methods typically used to treat cancer that has spread?

When a cancer is detected before it has spread to other parts of the body, surgery is usually the best treatment. If doctors can completely remove the cancerous tumor, a person may be cured. If, however, the cancer has spread or if the tumor cannot be removed, doctors may use radiation.

What kind of cancer does smoking often lead to?

lung cancer and other forms of cancer may result.

What are three ways cancer can be treated?

surgery, radiation, and drugs