Prevention of Cancer Development

Mechanism of Cell Death

• Defective Cell Handling:
  • Normal cells that become mutated or damaged undergo a repair attempt.
  • If repair is not possible, the cells undergo apoptosis (cellular suicide).
  • Apoptosis:
    • An orderly process where key cell parts break down leading to cell death.

Cancer Cells

• Loss of Apoptosis:
  • Cancer cells lose the ability to undergo apoptosis.
  • Continue to divide unchecked.
  • Resulting in an accumulation of abnormal cells.

Consequences

• Abnormal cell accumulation can lead to further mutations and more aggressive cancer development.