How a cell that escapes control becomes a tumour, what causes cancer, and how doctors find and treat it. The commonly abused drugs, tobacco and alcohol, what they do to the body, and how adolescents and families can stay safe.
3 lessons, about 1 h 25 min3 simulations12 problems3 practice questionsPython in every lesson
Created by StemPy LabA normal cell stops dividing when it touches other cells. A cancer cell does not, and it forms a tumour. A benign tumour stays in one place, and a malignant tumour invades and spreads by metastasis. Carcinogens damage the genes, and proto-oncogenes turn into oncogenes. Cancer is found by biopsy and imaging and is treated by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The commonly abused drugs are the opioids, the cannabinoids and the coca alkaloids, and most come from flowering plants. Heroin is made from the morphine of the opium poppy, cannabinoids come from hemp and cocaine from the coca plant. Nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke harm the heart and the blood, and the smoke causes cancer and lung disease.
Adolescence is the bridge between childhood and adulthood, and young people are open to curiosity and peer pressure. Addiction is a psychological attachment to a drug or to alcohol, and dependence brings withdrawal signs when the dose is stopped. Alcohol and drugs harm the nervous system and the liver. Education, counselling and early help prevent abuse.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…