Prevention, Detection, and Treatment for Cancer Past, Present, & Future

Nicole Nauyo Enc 3241 Professor Powell March 10, 2013

Abstract Every year, there are people from all around the world that are diagnosed with cancer. Some fight the battle and others are not so lucky. While there is not yet a cure for this dreadful disease, there are many ways today to prevent, detect and treat cancer. New methods including technology advancement and early detection can aid in cancer prevention, detection, and ultimately treatment.

Table of contents

Abstracti Tables and Figures..ii Acknowledgements iv Introduction..1 What is Cancer? ..............................................................................................................................1 How does Cancer Start? ..1 Possible causes for cancer .... 2 Detection..3 Putting it all Together ~ 1980..4 Chemoprevention ~ 1990s Until Now5 Ways to Treat Cancer...7 Conclusion...........7 References ...9

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List of figures and tables Figure 1 Normal Cell and Cancerous Cell...1

Table 1 Chemoprevention ~ Tamoxifen and Raloxifene.6

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Acknowledgements I would like acknowledge the following persons and organizations: Ann M. Bode and Zigang Dong, The National Cancer Institute, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Website, the Mayo Clinic website and for all their information regarding the knowledge on this particular subject.

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Introduction Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer does not discriminate; it can strike any gender, age, or nationality. Cancer research started many decades ago and today is still being studied. Even though a cure has not yet been found, researchers are closer than ever to finding a cure, which is possible through new technological advancement. What is cancer? According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer occurs when abnormal cells divide without control and invade other tissues. Cancer can spread all though out the body and the lymph system (National Cancer Institute). Therefore, cancer has the potential to spread and multiply though the whole body and lymph system. The invasion of cancer cells can weaken the individuals immune system, which then can make the disease very fatal. How does cancer start? Every day your body is producing new cells. The National Cancer Institute states, When cells become old or damaged, they die and are replaced with new cells (National Cancer Institute). Sometimes this order may not happen, and the cells are not replaced with new cells. According to, the National Cancer Institute, The genetic material of a cell can become damaged, which produces mutations. These mutations affect the normal cell growth. When this occurs, these cells dont die and extra cells can form a mass tissue called a tumor (National Cancer Institute). These tumors have the potential to be benign tumors or malignant tumors. Benign tumors are not cancerous however, malignant tumors are cancerous. Here below is a picture of the growth of a normal cell, and a growth of a cancerous cell, which can lead to the growth of a cancerous tumor. 1

(Image from Understanding Cancer Series: Cancer.) Possible causes for cancer In the earlier years, not much research regarding cancer was studied. However, later on cancer research became important and more people became interested in it. Researches began to find many causes that could trigger cancer. According to Ann M. Bode and Zigang Dong, researchers found that, exposure to tobacco and soot by chimney sweeps was linked with cancer (Earliest observation and cancer prevention 1700-1800, para. 1). Tobacco and soot by a chimney was one of the first findings in the possible causes for cancer. As time went on, researchers founded other causes for cancer. Bode and Dong stated that, arsenic, aromatic amines and other various chemicals increased the risk for cancer. X ray, were also shown to bring on tumors, as well as the carcinogens (Earliest observation and cancer prevention 17001800, para. 1). These factors listed above were also labeled as possible causes for cancer. 2

However, Bode and Dong said that, Even though environmental and lifestyle factors were recognized as being associated with cancer, not everyone exposed developed the disease (Earliest observation and cancer prevention 1700-1800, para. 1). Although researchers found a pattern associated with chemical element exposure in cancer patients, not everyone diagnosed with cancer were affected by these factors. Thus, these findings show that there may be a link between the causes of cancer and these factors, but there was no sole evidence for this study found at first, until the 1970s. As time went on, more and more people were getting sick and dying from cancer. So, more research was conducted on what may cause this sickness in individuals. Bode and Dong, stated that in the 1950s, researchers began to link smoking and lung cancer together (Identification of cancer links and technological developments 1900-1970, para. 2). They began to correlate smoking with lung cancer. Therefore, believing it could be one of the causing factors of the disease. Researchers began to look more into it finding other factors that could be the associated with cancer. Research was conducted on peoples diets and lifestyle habits. According to Bode and Dong, consuming less red meat and alcohol could prevent cancer (Early 20th century detection and treatment versus prevention 1900-1960, para. 2). These findings concluded that, people who did not eat red meat or consumed as much alcohol had a lesser chance of developing cancer. Bode and Dong stated that, In the 1960s and the 1970s interest in environmental and lifestyle causes of cancer was eventually revived and these factors were emphasized as potential health issues (Early 20th century detection and treatment versus prevention 1900-1960, para 3

. 2). In the past, studies were shown that environmental and lifestyle factors may not have been the causes for cancer, but further research shows otherwise. According to Bode and Dong, In the 1980s, researchers have conclude that cancer was caused by these three things, the environment, lifestyle, and genetics (Identification of cancer links and technological developments 1900-1970, para.1). Now those scientists know the causes to cancer, they can help prevent individuals from contracting the disease. Detection Now that the causes of cancer are known, there are more advanced ways to detect and treat illness in its early stages. According to Bode and Dong, In the 1950-1970 they came up with new technology to not only to detect but treat cancer like, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer (Identification of cancer links and technological developments 1900-1970, para. 2). Through technology evolvement, more people are participating in research that can better help patients detect and treat cancer. One of the first tools researchers used to detect breast cancer was a mammogram. According to Bode and Dong, stated, In 1951 the mammogram came and started as a trial run , however in 1963 is when they began using it (Identification of cancer links and technological developments 1900-1970, para.3). This was a great instrument because the cancer could be noticed sooner. Doctors found early detection a great tool in helping patients have a better chance of surviving cancer. Putting it all Together ~ 1980 In the 1980s researchers seemed to put everything they knew about cancer together. What causes cancer, treatments, and preventions for it. Further research on diet and nutrition brought about the study in which, they concluded that various cancers occurring in different

4 human populations appeared to correspond with differences in diet (Bode and Dong 1980, para. 2). The 1980 research findings showed that depending on where you live and the food that is available, one can tell what type of cancer a population might be more prone to contract. In addition, the report published by the National Research Council Committee on diet, nutrition, and cancer also said that some types of diets and some dietary components, for example high fat diets or the frequent consumption of salt-cured, salt-pickled, and smoked foods all tend to increase the risk of cancer (1980 para.2). When these findings were published, people began to become more conscious about what types of foods they shouldnt eat to prevent the risk of cancer. Chemoprevention ~ 1990s Until Now Now researchers linked the causes of cancer with genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors. They have also found ways to prevent it. In a patient with a high risk of breast cancer, they found a way to decrease a persons chance of developing it through a preventive treatment called chemoprevention. Chemoprevention, is not the same as chemotherapy, which is a treatment done when patients are already diagnosed with cancer. Bode and Dong, said that Chemoprevention is defined as the use of chemical agents, drugs, or dietary supplements to prevent disease (1990s until nowSuccess of Chemoprevention trials, para.1). Chemoprevention is a preventative treatment for cancer which uses a variety of drugs that prevent the growth of new cancer cells. The drugs used are called Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (1990s until now Success of Chemoprevention trials, para. 2). Mayo Clinic said that, Tamoxifen work by blocking the effects of estrogen a reproductive hormone that influences the growth and development of many breast tumors and Raloxifene works by blocking estrogen's effects in the 5

breast and other tissues (Breast cancer chemoprevention: Medicines that reduce breast cancer risk, para. 9 ). The chart listed below summarizes each drug.

Tamoxifen

Raloxifene

Who can take the drug?

Premenopausal and postmenopausal women Hot flashes Vaginal discharge

Postmenopausal women only

What are common short-term side effects?

Hot flashes Leg cramps

Other side effects are rare. Cancer of the uterus or endometrium (lining of the uterus) Cataracts Blood clots in the large veins (deep venous thrombosis) Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli) Stroke Blood clots in the large veins (deep venous thrombosis) Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli) Stroke

What are the possible health risks?

These effects occur mainly in older postmenopausal women.

These effects occur mainly in older postmenopausal women.

What about use in breast cancer treatment?

Effective in the treatment of Has not been shown to be hormone receptor-positive breast effective for the treatment cancer. of breast cancer.

(Chart from: Susan G. Komen for the Cure Website) Above is a chart of the females who are eligible to participate in chemoprevention. This chart also shows the side effects of each drug and possible health risks. In addition, it 6

summarizes each of the scenarios in which the following drugs would be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. These drugs are beneficial to not only women who are premenopausal and postmenopausal women, but also for women who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (Susan G Komen website). However the Susan G Komen website states, Some studies have suggested that tamoxifen may be more effective in preventing breast cancer in BRCA2 carriers than BRCA1carriers (BRCA1/2 gene mutations and tamoxifen, para. 1). This study here shows that people who took this drug have a decreased chance of developing breast cancer. Ways to treat cancer So far everything that was discussed was about the causes of cancer and the prevention and detection of this disease. Well what happens if you, or someone you know, is diagnosed with cancer? Its not the end! Today there are many ways to treat cancer. As stated on the National Cancer Institution website, the treatments that are available are: Chemotherapy Radiation Therapy Targeted Therapies Transplantation

There are many other treatments that are available for cancer. These noted here are just the most commonly used. Some may even be developed in the near future. Conclusion In conclusion, research has enabled us to find what causes cancer, ways detect it, ways to treat it, and prevent it. The three causes cancer for are environment, lifestyle, and genetics. There are also ways you can decreases you risk of cancer like changing your lifestyle and having 7

healthy eating habits. Environment and genetics are factors that you have no control over. But, you should get tested regularly to increase the chances of catching it before it spreads. The best a person can do regarding cancer is to prevent it. While today we have ways to control it, it doesnt keep cancer from coming back. One day, we will find a cure for cancer, so it can be put to rest!

References: 1. Bode, M, Ann and Dong, Zigang http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/treatment/types-of-treatment, 2009 2. Breast cancer chemoprevention: Medicines that reduce breast cancer risk http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/WO00092, 2012 3. National Cancer Institution http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2838238/, 2012 4. Risk-Lowering Drugs http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/RiskLoweringDrugs.html, 2012