Unit 3: How to Conquer Cancer
3.1.1 Who is Affected by Cancer?
In this activity, we researched various patient files and case studies to determine the types of patients affected by cancer. We learned that cancer is multi-factorial and can affect anyone.
In this activity, we researched various patient files and case studies to determine the types of patients affected by cancer. We learned that cancer is multi-factorial and can affect anyone.
3.1.2 Diagnostic Imaging Career Activity
In this activity, we researched the roles of both a CT Radiographer and a MRI Radiographer.
In this activity, we researched the roles of both a CT Radiographer and a MRI Radiographer.
3.1.3 When Cells Lose Control
In this activity, we researched the cell cycle of cancer formation and growth. We then compared normal and cancer cells to determine the difference in size and morphology.
Cancer: When cells become mutated, they begin to lose control. Within the cell cycle, there are certain checkpoints to ensure that cells meet criteria necessary for cell division. Checkpoints can be damaged, however, by mutated genes. When these genes are mutated and cannot be regulated properly, oncogenes are expressed. Oncogenes are genes with the potential to cause cancer. These mutated genes affected vital parts of the cell cycle, causing damaged genes to replicate out of control. When these cells are unregulated, they begin to affect other genes and spread through invasion or metastasis.
In this activity, we researched the cell cycle of cancer formation and growth. We then compared normal and cancer cells to determine the difference in size and morphology.
Cancer: When cells become mutated, they begin to lose control. Within the cell cycle, there are certain checkpoints to ensure that cells meet criteria necessary for cell division. Checkpoints can be damaged, however, by mutated genes. When these genes are mutated and cannot be regulated properly, oncogenes are expressed. Oncogenes are genes with the potential to cause cancer. These mutated genes affected vital parts of the cell cycle, causing damaged genes to replicate out of control. When these cells are unregulated, they begin to affect other genes and spread through invasion or metastasis.
3.1.4 DNA Microarray
In this activity, we explored DNA Microarray testing through a case study. We studied the comparison of cancerous lung cells and normal tissue cells to determine the ratio of gene expression in each. The ratio of expression can tell us which genes are affected by lung cancer and which are being targeted. In the below slide, each sample space (1-6) represents a different gene comparison. The pink samples represent high expression in lung cells, while the blue represent expression in non-smoker cells. They read as the following:
1. Pink 2:1 (2)
2. Blue 1:1 (1)
3. Blue 1:4 (.25)
4. Clear 0:0 (0) -not expressed in either cell (control)
5. Pink 4:1 (4)
6. Blue 1:4 (.25)
In this activity, we explored DNA Microarray testing through a case study. We studied the comparison of cancerous lung cells and normal tissue cells to determine the ratio of gene expression in each. The ratio of expression can tell us which genes are affected by lung cancer and which are being targeted. In the below slide, each sample space (1-6) represents a different gene comparison. The pink samples represent high expression in lung cells, while the blue represent expression in non-smoker cells. They read as the following:
1. Pink 2:1 (2)
2. Blue 1:1 (1)
3. Blue 1:4 (.25)
4. Clear 0:0 (0) -not expressed in either cell (control)
5. Pink 4:1 (4)
6. Blue 1:4 (.25)
3.2.1 Am I at Risk?
In this activity, we researched and analyzed various risk factors of cancer.
In this activity, we researched and analyzed various risk factors of cancer.
3.2.2 Skin Cancer Report
In this activity, we analyzed the possible self-examinations for skin cancer, following ABCDE. Following the introduction, we conducted an experiment on yeast plates, both UV sensitive and wild type. The yeast served as a stimulation to skin. Our experiment tested the effect of various oils on the growth of the yeast. From this experiment, we determined that tanning oil was more effective in stimulating skin growth than baby oil.
Self Examination (Mole):
A- Asymmetrical (Is the mole even on both sides?)
B- Border (Does the mole have a smooth, defined border?)
C- Color (Does the mole have an irregular color or a change in color?)
D- Diameter (Is the mole larger than a 1/4 inch?)
E- Evolution (Is the mole changing size?)
In this activity, we analyzed the possible self-examinations for skin cancer, following ABCDE. Following the introduction, we conducted an experiment on yeast plates, both UV sensitive and wild type. The yeast served as a stimulation to skin. Our experiment tested the effect of various oils on the growth of the yeast. From this experiment, we determined that tanning oil was more effective in stimulating skin growth than baby oil.
Self Examination (Mole):
A- Asymmetrical (Is the mole even on both sides?)
B- Border (Does the mole have a smooth, defined border?)
C- Color (Does the mole have an irregular color or a change in color?)
D- Diameter (Is the mole larger than a 1/4 inch?)
E- Evolution (Is the mole changing size?)
The picture on the left is of the yeast plate treated with tanning oil, while the picture on the right was treated with baby oil. After exposure to UV rays, both grew. However, our hypothesis was valid as we believed that the tanning oil would allow more growth than the baby oil. We used this experiment as a suggestion to always use a manufactured tanning oil as it has minimum SPF and will could less damage to the skin. |
3.2.3 Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention
In this activity, we explored methods of screening and preventing breast cancer.
In this activity, we explored methods of screening and preventing breast cancer.
3.2.5 Routine Screenings
In this activity, we created a concept map of the timeline for routine cancer screening. The female screenings include breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer. The male screening includes prostate, colon, and lung cancer.
In this activity, we created a concept map of the timeline for routine cancer screening. The female screenings include breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer. The male screening includes prostate, colon, and lung cancer.
3.3.1 Diary of a Cancer Patient
In this activity, we followed the lives of two cancer patients: Mike and Charlie. We wrote their diary entries as they went through both chemo and radiation treatment.
In this activity, we followed the lives of two cancer patients: Mike and Charlie. We wrote their diary entries as they went through both chemo and radiation treatment.
3.3.2 Biofeedback Therapy
In this activity, we were introduced to a popular, new therapy- biofeedback therapy. This treatment is a way for the body to be "programmed" to decrease stress and control involuntary functions. We used various probes, such as a temperature probe, heart rate monitor, and respiratory monitor. These were used to measure the vitals during different therapeutic techniques. From this experiment, we were able to see how the body can be manipulated to control involuntary processes. This type of therapy is often used for cancer patients to control the pain of treatments. |
3.3.3 Design of a Prosthetic Arm
In this activity, we worked in teams to create a prosthetic arm. We worked to create the arm to function below the elbow and move as our fingers do. To complete this task, we used a cardboard arm, rubber bands, and yarn. By pulling on the arm, we were able to move the cardboard fingers as our fingers move. We were able to complete the activity and pick up a glass of water to take a drink. However, our arm could have been improved by making a more "functional" arm, rather than realistic looking prosthetic. |
3.4.1 Precision Medicine
In this activity, we explored why patients react differently to medications. We followed the case studies of three young patients and how they responded to their prescribed chemotherapy drug. To follow them, we analyzed the patient's genetic profiling through pharmagenetics- focusing on the patients SNP profiles. SNP profiles can help physicians determine whether the medication will work for the patient. As seen in this activity, even a small change in genetic sequence can determine the body’s response to the medication. For example, even a small base pair change, such as a difference between a G and A, can make a difference.
In this activity, we explored why patients react differently to medications. We followed the case studies of three young patients and how they responded to their prescribed chemotherapy drug. To follow them, we analyzed the patient's genetic profiling through pharmagenetics- focusing on the patients SNP profiles. SNP profiles can help physicians determine whether the medication will work for the patient. As seen in this activity, even a small change in genetic sequence can determine the body’s response to the medication. For example, even a small base pair change, such as a difference between a G and A, can make a difference.