Concept explainers
Skin cancer carries a lifetime risk nearly equal to that of all other cancers combined. Following is a graph (modified from Kraemer, 1997. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 94:11–14) depicting the age of onset of skin cancers in patients with or without XP, where cumulative percentage of skin cancer is plotted against age. The non-XP curve is based on 29,757 cancers surveyed by the National Cancer Institute, and the curve representing those with XP is based on 63 skin cancers from the XerodermaPigmentosum Registry.
(a) Provide an overview of the information contained in the graph.
(b) Explain why individuals with XP show such an early age of onset.
Trending nowThis is a popular solution!
Chapter 14 Solutions
Essentials of Genetics Plus Mastering Genetics with eText -- Access Card Package (9th Edition) (Klug et al. Genetics Series)
- New cases of cancer are expected to increase in the ensuing years. How can estimating the future burden of cancer help us to prepare for this? Give detailed examples of different types of cancer and the trends that will likely be observed. What can we realistically expect to achieve regarding cancer risk reduction? Why is it important to have cancer statistics databases?arrow_forwardPlease discuss the difference between cancers caused by tumor viruses and cancers caused by oncogenes. Does the etiology of a cancer influence its manifestation?arrow_forwardGenetic tests that detect mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 oncogenes are widely available. These tests reveal a number of mutations in these genes—mutations that have been linked to familial breast cancer. Assume that a young woman in a suspected breast cancer family takes the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic tests and receives negative results. That is, she does not test positive for the mutant alleles of BRCA1 or BRCA2. Can she consider herself free of risk for breast cancer?arrow_forward
- ames has conducted an occupational cohort study. He has studied coal miners and their rates of cancer, and has compared them to steel workers, and their rates of cancer. There were 50 coal miners and 20 steel workers. 25% of steel workers got cancer and 40% of coal miners got cancer. Please draw a 2 by 2 table that represents this scenario. What is the AR? What is the OR? Please interpret the OR and make sure to state a time frame ) What is the CIR?arrow_forwardWhat are the underlying biological mechanisms that differentiate the various types of cancer, and how can a better understanding of these mechanisms lead to more targeted and effective treatments for each specific type of cancer?arrow_forwardWhat are the heritable changes in cells that contribute to cancer development?arrow_forward
- Which of the following effectively describes the situation of someone with an inherited predisposition to cancer such a familial adenomatous polyposis or BRCA-associated familial breast cancer? Choose all that apply Group of answer choices None of the other answers effectively describes the situation If they get malignant cancer, somatic mutations will not have been a factor Their cancer will most likely arise in their germ cells, not their somatic cells Most cells in their body contain multiple cancer-causing mutations Every cell of their body contains a gain-of-function allele of an oncogene Every cell of their body contains a defective, loss-of-function allele of a tumor suppressor genearrow_forwardCancer is a major public health problem. Both inherited genes and environmental factors play a role in the development of cancer. Associations have also been documented between environmental pollutants and cancer. In general, cancers caused by occupational or environmental exposures are pathologically and clinically indistinguishable from other cancers. However, some cancers have a very high probability of being occupationally related, such as angiosarcoma of the liver due to vinyl chloride exposure, and mesothelioma from asbestos fiber exposure. Documentation of exposures that cause cancer relies heavily on epidemiological studies. Unfortunately, there are complicating factors, such as the long latency period before the cancers are actually diagnosed, well after many other workers had already been exposed. Therefore, what must the prevention of occupational and environmental cancers rely upon to predict effects on humans and establish limits for human exposure?arrow_forwardDefine the following terms: tumor, neoplasia, anaplasia, metastasis, proto-oncogene, oncogene, and tumor suppressor gene.arrow_forward
- How many people in the United States (and the world if possible) are affected by the cancer disease?arrow_forwardWhich of the following effectively describes the situation of someone with an inherited predisposition to cancer such as familial adenomatous polyposis or BRCA-associated familial breast cancer? Choose all that apply a) If they get malignant cancer, somatic mutations will not have been a factor b) Their cancer will most likely arise in their germ cells, not their somatic cells c) None of the answers effectively describes the situation d) Every cell of their body contains a gain-of-function allele of an oncogene e) Most cells in their body contain multiple cancer-causing mutations f) Every cell of their body contains a defective, loss-of-function allele of a tumor suppressor genearrow_forwardList the environmental carcinogens that are known to play a role in thedevelopment of cancer.arrow_forward
- Biology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxHuman Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...BiologyISBN:9781305251052Author:Michael CummingsPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning