cancer spec Interview Questions and Answers

1. What are the hallmarks of cancer?

   • Answer: The hallmarks of cancer, as defined by Hanahan and Weinberg, include sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, activating invasion and metastasis, enabling replicative immortality, deregulating cellular energetics, evading immune destruction, and tumor-promoting inflammation.

2. Explain the difference between benign and malignant tumors.

   • Answer: Benign tumors are non-cancerous, slow-growing, and encapsulated, meaning they don't invade surrounding tissues. Malignant tumors are cancerous, rapidly growing, invasive, and can metastasize (spread to other parts of the body).

3. Describe the process of metastasis.

   • Answer: Metastasis involves cancer cells breaking away from the primary tumor, entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system, traveling to other parts of the body, invading new tissues, and forming secondary tumors.

4. What are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes?

   • Answer: Oncogenes are mutated genes that promote cell growth and division, contributing to cancer. Tumor suppressor genes normally inhibit cell growth and division; when mutated, they lose their function, increasing cancer risk.

5. Explain the role of the immune system in cancer.

   • Answer: The immune system can recognize and destroy cancer cells. However, cancer cells can evade immune surveillance through various mechanisms, allowing them to grow and spread.

6. What are some common risk factors for cancer?

   • Answer: Common risk factors include genetics, age, tobacco use, exposure to carcinogens (e.g., radiation, asbestos), unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and certain infections.

7. Describe different types of cancer treatment.

   • Answer: Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplantation.

8. What is chemotherapy? How does it work?

   • Answer: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, but can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects.

9. What is radiation therapy? How does it work?

   • Answer: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells' DNA, preventing their growth and division. It can be external beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation).

10. What is targeted therapy?

    • Answer: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells based on their unique characteristics, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

11. What is immunotherapy?

    • Answer: Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. It involves using drugs or other agents to stimulate or enhance the immune response against cancer cells.

12. What is the TNM staging system?

    • Answer: The TNM staging system is a widely used system for classifying the extent of cancer based on the size of the primary tumor (T), the involvement of regional lymph nodes (N), and the presence of distant metastasis (M).

13. Explain the difference between grading and staging of cancer.

    • Answer: Grading assesses the aggressiveness of the cancer cells under a microscope, while staging describes the extent of the cancer's spread in the body.

14. What are some common side effects of cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Common side effects can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, skin changes, and decreased blood cell counts.

15. What is palliative care?

    • Answer: Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses, including cancer, by providing relief from symptoms and support for patients and their families.

16. What is the difference between curative and palliative intent in cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Curative intent aims to completely eliminate the cancer, while palliative intent focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life when a cure is not possible.

17. What are some common types of lung cancer?

    • Answer: Common types include small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

18. What are some common types of breast cancer?

    • Answer: Common types include invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).

19. What are some common types of colon cancer?

    • Answer: Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas, originating from the glandular cells lining the colon.

20. What are some common types of prostate cancer?

    • Answer: Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. They are classified based on Gleason score, indicating aggressiveness.

21. What are some common types of leukemia?

    • Answer: Common types include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

22. What are some common types of lymphoma?

    • Answer: Common types include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, further subdivided into various subtypes based on cell type and characteristics.

23. What is the role of genetics in cancer development?

    • Answer: Genetics play a significant role, with inherited gene mutations increasing cancer risk. However, most cancers are not solely caused by genetics; environmental factors also contribute significantly.

24. What is cancer screening? Why is it important?

    • Answer: Cancer screening involves tests to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear. Early detection improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

25. What are some common cancer screening tests?

    • Answer: Examples include mammography (breast cancer), Pap smear (cervical cancer), colonoscopy (colon cancer), PSA test (prostate cancer), and low-dose CT scan (lung cancer).

26. What is the role of a pathologist in cancer diagnosis?

    • Answer: Pathologists examine tissue samples under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer, determine the type and grade of cancer, and assess the extent of the cancer's spread.

27. What is the role of a radiologist in cancer diagnosis?

    • Answer: Radiologists interpret medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans, to detect and assess the size and location of tumors and determine the extent of cancer spread.

28. What is the role of an oncologist in cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Oncologists are medical doctors specializing in cancer treatment. They develop and manage treatment plans, monitor patients' response to treatment, and manage side effects.

29. What is the role of a surgeon in cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Surgeons perform operations to remove cancerous tumors, often in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

30. What are clinical trials? Why are they important?

    • Answer: Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new cancer treatments. They are essential for advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes.

31. What is personalized medicine in cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Personalized medicine tailors cancer treatment to an individual's specific genetic and molecular characteristics, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects.

32. What is the role of genetics in personalized cancer medicine?

    • Answer: Genetic testing can identify specific mutations in cancer cells, guiding the selection of targeted therapies that are most likely to be effective.

33. What is the role of biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and treatment?

    • Answer: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes, which can be used to diagnose cancer, predict prognosis, and monitor response to treatment.

34. What are some examples of cancer biomarkers?

    • Answer: Examples include PSA (prostate cancer), CA-125 (ovarian cancer), CEA (colorectal cancer), and various genetic mutations.

35. What is the role of supportive care in cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Supportive care focuses on managing the side effects of cancer treatment and improving the patient's overall well-being.

36. What are some examples of supportive care interventions?

    • Answer: Examples include pain management, nutrition support, physical therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

37. What is the importance of patient education in cancer care?

    • Answer: Patient education empowers individuals to actively participate in their care, understand their diagnosis and treatment options, and manage their symptoms effectively.

38. How can patients cope with the emotional challenges of cancer?

    • Answer: Patients can benefit from counseling, support groups, emotional support from family and friends, and mindfulness techniques.

39. What are some resources available to cancer patients and their families?

    • Answer: Resources include oncologists, support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and online resources providing information and support.

40. What is the importance of follow-up care after cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Follow-up care monitors for recurrence, detects any new problems, and manages long-term side effects of treatment.

41. What are some common long-term effects of cancer treatment?

    • Answer: Long-term effects can include fatigue, cardiovascular problems, neuropathy, infertility, and secondary cancers.

42. How does cancer research contribute to improved cancer care?

    • Answer: Cancer research leads to new diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventative strategies, improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.

43. What are some current areas of focus in cancer research?

    • Answer: Current areas of focus include immunotherapy, targeted therapies, personalized medicine, cancer prevention, and understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment.

44. What is the role of epidemiology in understanding cancer?

    • Answer: Epidemiology studies the patterns and causes of cancer in populations, identifying risk factors and contributing to cancer prevention strategies.

45. What is the role of genetics in cancer prevention?

    • Answer: Genetic testing can identify individuals at increased risk of certain cancers, allowing for proactive screening and preventive measures.

46. What are some lifestyle changes that can reduce cancer risk?

    • Answer: Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting alcohol consumption.

47. What is the importance of early detection in improving cancer survival rates?

    • Answer: Early detection allows for timely treatment when the cancer is smaller and less likely to have spread, significantly improving survival chances.

48. What is the role of public health initiatives in cancer prevention and control?

    • Answer: Public health initiatives raise awareness about cancer risk factors, promote cancer screening, and advocate for policies that reduce cancer incidence.

49. What is the difference between a carcinoma, sarcoma, and leukemia?

    • Answer: Carcinomas arise from epithelial cells (skin, lining of organs), sarcomas from connective tissue (bone, muscle), and leukemias from blood-forming cells in bone marrow.

50. Explain the concept of angiogenesis in cancer growth.

    • Answer: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, supplying tumors with nutrients and oxygen, crucial for their growth and survival.

51. What are some examples of cancer-causing viruses?

    • Answer: Examples include human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV).

52. Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding cancer research.

    • Answer: Ethical considerations include informed consent, minimizing risks to participants, equitable access to treatments, and responsible data management.

53. What is the role of genetic counseling in cancer risk assessment?

    • Answer: Genetic counselors assess family history and genetic risk factors, helping individuals understand their cancer risk and make informed decisions about screening and prevention.

54. What is the role of the microbiome in cancer development?

    • Answer: Emerging research suggests the gut microbiome can influence cancer risk and response to treatment, though this area is still under investigation.

55. What are some emerging technologies in cancer detection and treatment?

    • Answer: Emerging technologies include liquid biopsies, artificial intelligence for image analysis, and advanced forms of immunotherapy (CAR T-cell therapy).

56. What are the challenges in developing effective cancer treatments?

    • Answer: Challenges include cancer heterogeneity, drug resistance, metastasis, and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment.

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