Science Homework Help

1.

Brain cancer is a very serious type of uncontrolled cell division in the brain. The most severe form of brain cancer is called Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) which kills about 95% of those who are diagnosed within the first five years (Stoller, 2017). In this discussion I will be exploring this devastating type of cancer and its potential causes/treatments. Although the exact cause of brain cancer is unknown some scientists believe it can be caused by environmental factors, genetics, and injuries to the head. For example according to a study published in the Review of Neurology Paris that looked for a connection between the environment and brain tumors it was found that ionizing radiation and air pollution may play a role. It was also found in this study that there may be a link between cell phone use and the development of acoustic neuroma or a type of tumor that develops in your inner ear that leads to your brain, however the connection of mobile phone usage to other more serious types of brain cancer remains unestablished (Vienne-Jumeau et al., 2019). In terms of treating the deadliest forms of this disease such as GBM scientists are working on new therapies such as drug combinations that would prevent GBM cells from invading healthy tissue (Stoller, 2017). Therefore hopefully with new scientific research this severe form of cancer that seems to have no direct cause will be considered curable/survivable.

References:

Stoller , Robyn. “7 Facts You Need to Know About Brain Tumors.” NFCR, National Foundation for Cancer Research , 31 Mar. 2021, https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blog7-facts-need-know-brain-tumors/#:~:text=Glioblastoma%20multiforme%20(GBM)%20is%20the,of%20all%20malignant%20brain%20tumors.

Vienne-Jumeau, A et al. “Environmental risk factors of primary brain tumors: A review.” Revue neurologique vol. 175,10 (2019): 664-678. doi:10.1016/j.neurol.2019.08.004

2.

Breast cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Nationwide, breast cancer is one of the most typical cancers found amongst women. Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer, but statistics definitely prove that it is more prominent in women than compared to men.

It is important for both women and men to examine their breasts every now and then to check for any symptoms or signs of breast cancer. Some symptoms include a lump on the breast or armpit area, thickening of the skin and tissue, dimpling of the breast, “peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin” (), along with a few other symptoms. An individual should make an appointment to visit the doctors as soon as possible when they detect any of these symptoms.

So what exactly causes breast cancer? It happens when a few breast cells start to develop and spread. These abnormal cells divide more quickly than regular, healthy cells do. They start to form lumps on the breast. They typically start in the invasive ductal carcinoma, also known as the milk- producing ducts in the breasts. An estimate of 5% to 10% of breast cancers are inherited. In addition, hereditary mutated genes also contribute to an individual’s risk of having breast cancer.

A couple of risks that may factor into this type of cancer include being a woman, old age, family history of breast cancer, and radiation exposure to name a few. Some ways to reduce one’s risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is examine your breast more often, get a breast cancer screening, limit alcohol consumption, exercise daily, and maintain a healthy weight.

References:

Breast Cancer. 23 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470.

“Breast Cancer Information and Support.” Breastcancer.org, 30 Apr. 2021, www.breastcancer.org/.