Cancer

The oldest description of cancer were written in Egypt as early as 3000 BC as part of an ancient Egyptian textbook on surgery.

The word "cancer" comes from the Greek work carcinos, which means crab. Hippocrates used this term to describe the disease because the projections of a cancer invading nearby tissues. During the 16th century, when the theory of bodily humors prevailed, it was believed cancer was caused by excess black bile buildup; But this was discarded early when no black bile was found. After invention of the microscope, evidence accumulated that cancer was the result of uncontrolled cell division but the cause was still unknown.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the distinguishing features of a cancer
2. Discuss the mechanism by which cancers evolve
3. Explain what is meant by "metastasis" and the mechanisms by which it occurs
4. Explain the difference between the "grade" and the "stage" of a cancer
5. Discuss risk factors for cancer and strategies for prevention
6. Define the following terms:
   • Cell differentiation
   • Benign tumor
   • Malignant tumor
   • Dysplasia
   • Carcinogen
   • Proto-oncogene and onogene
   • Tumor-suppessor gene (anti-oncogene)
   • Apoptosis