Resource Key
LEVEL 1
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
LEVEL 2
provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
LEVEL 3
lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Databases
- Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre Plus This link opens in a new windowThis resource provides the largest collection of full text from leading regional and international newspapers and periodicals, full-text reference books, tens of thousands of full-text biographies, and a collection of images containing more than one million photos, maps, and flags.
- Britannica Schools This link opens in a new windowBritannica School covers the core subject areas of English, Maths, Science and History. Interactive lessons, activities, games, stories, worksheets, manipulatives, study guides and research tools.
Introduction
This research guide has been developed for students reflecting on the impact of science; it explores how science is aiding in the detection and treatment of cancer.
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs, the latter process is referred to as metastasizing. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer.
What is Cancer?
TWIG. (n.d.). What is cancer? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www-twig-world-com.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/film/embed/what-is-cancer-1580/
What is Cancer?
- Cancer Council Australia. (2015, November 10). What is cancer? Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Normally cells grow and multiply in a controlled way, however, if something causes a mistake to occur in the cells' genetic blueprints, this control can be lost. Cancer is the term used to describe collections of these cells, growing and potentially spreading within the body. As cancerous cells can arise from almost any type of tissue cell, cancer actually refers to about 100 different diseases.
- Department of Health. (2011, June 6). Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cancerCancer is a complex set of diseases with many different possible tumour sites. It currently places the largest and a growing burden on patients, families and the health system in Australia. Over 100,000 new registrable cancer cases are diagnosed every year. There are also over 400,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia each year.
- American Cancer Society. (2015, August 12). Cancer basics. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/what-is-cancerThis website provides answers to some of the basic questions about cancer, such as what it is, what some of the common signs and symptoms are, and how many people it affects.
- National Cancer Institute. (n.d.) What is cancer? Retrieved from http://training.seer.cancer.gov/disease/cancer/According to the ACS, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.
- Cancer. (2016). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/106118#224734.tocCancer, group of more than 100 distinct diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Tumours, or neoplasms (from Greek neo, “new,” and plasma, “formation”), are abnormal growths of cells arising from malfunctions in the regulatory mechanisms that oversee the cells’ growth and development. However, only some types of tumours threaten health and life. With few exceptions, that distinction underlies their division into two major categories: malignant or benign.
- Frank, S. (2007). Dynamics of cancer. Retrieved June 12, 2015, from National Center for Biotechnology Information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1568/The book provides a unique conceptual and historical framework for understanding the causes of cancer and other diseases that increase with age. Using a novel quantitative framework of reliability and multistage breakdown, Frank unifies molecular, demographic, and evolutionary levels of analysis. He interprets a wide variety of observations on the age of cancer onset, the genetic and environmental causes of disease, and the organization of tissues with regard to stem cell biology and somatic mutation.
Definitions
- cancer a malignant and invasive growth or tumor, especially one originating in epithelium, tending to recur after excision and to metastasize to other sites.
- economical adjective - avoiding waste or extravagance; thrifty: an economical meal; an economical use of interior space.
- environmental noun - the social and cultural forces that shape the life of a person or a population.
- ethical adjective - pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.
- political adjective - of or relating to citizens: political rights.
- social adjective - of or relating to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community: social problems.
Senior Library Books
- Cancer Awareness byCall Number: 616.994 CANISBN: 9781920801540Publication Date: 2006 Jul 1Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Australia, killing more than 36 000 people annually. In addition to advances in treatment, more lives could be saved by improved awareness of the causes of certain cancers. This book contains helpful information from cancer councils on cancer detection and prevention.
Cancer and DNA Damage
Anderson, P. (2014, April 12). What is cancer? [Video File]. Bozeman Science
Summary: In this video Paul Andersen answers the very simple question: What is cancer? He explains how damage to the DNA can create uncontrolled cell growth. He explains how malignant tumors can spread the disease throughout the body and gives possible treatments.
Stages of Cancer
- Cancer Institute (2016). What are the different stages of cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/patient-support/what-i-need-to-know/about-cancer/what-are-the-different-stages-of-cancerThe term 'stage of cancer' means the stage the cancer was at when it was first diagnosed. Being sure about the stage is very important because it is a critical factor in deciding the best way to treat the cancer.