DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL,

KALINGA
BIOLOGY INVESTIGATORY
PROJEct

CANCER: AN OVERVIEW
(As per the partial fulfillment of SSCE 2024-25 of CBSE, New Delhi)
SUBMITTED BY:- GUIDED
BY:-
Akankshya Swain Mr. Sanjay
Kumar Jena
SSCE Roll no.: Mr. V
VeeraBhadra Rao

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this opportunity to express mt
gratitude to all those who have helped me in
completing this project entitled “CANCER:
AN OVERVIEW” for the partial fulfillment
of “All India Secondary School Examination
2024-25”.
I am extremely thankful to my principal
Mrs. Anuradha Rakshit for her willing help
and valuable guidance.
I thank my teachers Mr. Sanjay Jena and
Mr. V. Veera Bhadra Rao for their guidance
and constant encouragement and critical
analysis.
I extend my thanks to our Lab Assistant Mr.
Bidhuranjan Panda for his patience and
help. I thank my family members and
friends for their kind cooperation.

PAGE 1
Last but not the least, I would like to thank
CBSE for giving this opportunity to
undertake this project.

SUBMITTED BY: - Akankshya Swain

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 CONTENTS

 Introduction
 What is Cancer?
 Human Cancer Cells
 What is Metastasis?
 Agents of Cancer
 Precancerous Conditions
 Causes of Cancer
 Types of Cancer
(Breast, Prostate, Leukemia, Ewings Sarcoma,
Eye Cancer)
 Detection and Diagnosis
 Treatment
 Investigatory Analysis
 Conclusion
 Bibliography

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 INTRODUCTION
Cancer is one of the most formidable challenges
in modern medicine, affecting millions of people
worldwide each year. This project explores the
complexity of cancer, a group of diseases
characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that
can invade surrounding tissues and spread to
distant parts of the body. Understanding cancer
involves examining the intricate biological
mechanisms that drive its development,
including genetic mutations, environmental
factors, and lifestyle choices that increase risk.
This project will delve into the different types of
cancer, current treatment modalities, the latest
advancements in research, and the crucial role
of prevention and early detection. Through this
study, we aim to highlight not only the
challenges of combating cancer but also the
hope and progress made toward more effective
treatments, improving survival rates, and
enhancing patients' quality of life.

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PAGE 5
 WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer is a complex disease in which cells in the
body begin to grow abnormally and
uncontrollably. Normally, cells follow a cycle:
they grow, divide, and eventually die in a
regulated manner. This process is controlled by
specific genes in our DNA that tell cells when to
start and stop dividing. However, when these
genes are damaged or mutated, cells can begin
to behave differently. They may ignore the usual
signals to stop growing, avoid the natural
process of cell death, and instead continue
dividing. As these cancerous cells multiply, they
can form a lump called a tumor. Tumors can be
benign (non-cancerous) or malignant
(cancerous). Malignant tumors have the
potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to
other parts of the body through the blood and
lymphatic systems, a process known as
metastasis. Cancer can develop in nearly any
part of the body, and there are many different
types, each with unique characteristics, risk
factors, and treatment approaches. While the
exact causes of cancer can vary, they often
involve a combination of genetic factors and
environmental exposures, such as smoking, diet,
radiation, infections, or certain chemicals. Early
detection and treatment are essential for
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improving outcomes, and advancements in
research continue to improve our understanding
and treatment of this complex disease.

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 Growth Stop when there's Uncontrolled growth
enough

Communication Respond to signals Do not respond to

from other cells signals from other cells

Cell repair/death Aged/damaged cells Cells are neither

are repaired or repaired or replaced
replaced
Stickiness/ Stay together in Can travel solo and
spread assigned area throughout the body

Appearance Uniform look under Varied sizes, larger

a microscope and darker centre
under a microscope
Maturation Reach maturity Do not reach maturity

Evasion of Can be targeted Can "hide" and grow

immune system and eliminated uninterrupted

Function Perform designated Fail to perform

tasks designated tasks
Blood supply Blood vessels grow Blood vessels grow
to feed normal regardless, constantly
growth and aid in "feeding" a tumor
repairs
CANCER CELLS
Normal Cancerous PAGE 8
cells cells
Tumors are abnormal growths of cells that
form lumps or masses in the body.
Normally, cells grow and divide in an
orderly way to replace old or damaged cells.
However, when this process goes wrong,
cells can start to grow uncontrollably,
leading to the formation of a tumor.

TYPES OF TUMORS:
Malignant Tumors Benign Tumors
Cancerous Not cancerous
May invade Doesn’t invade
surrounding tissue surrounding tissue
Most grow rapidly Most grow slowly
Needs Treatment May not need
treatment
Irregular shape Smooth shape

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 


WHAT IS METASTASIS?
Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread
from the original (primary) tumor site to other parts of
the body. This happens when cancer cells break away
from the primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream
or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors (called
secondary or metastatic tumors) in other organs or
tissues. Metastatic cancer is usually more difficult to
treat than cancer that remains localized, as it can affect
multiple organs or areas. Common sites for metastasis
include the bones, liver, lungs, and brain, though
metastatic cancer can spread to almost any part of the
body.

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 PRECANCEROUS CONDITIONS
Precancerous conditions are medical states where abnormal
cells have the potential to become cancerous over time but
have not yet developed into full-blown cancer. These
conditions indicate a higher-than-average risk of developing
cancer, although not all precancerous conditions will lead to
cancer. Monitoring and sometimes treating these conditions
can help prevent the progression to cancer. Here are some
examples of common precancerous conditions:
1. Dysplasia: This refers to abnormal cell growth in tissues,
often identified in organs like the cervix (cervical dysplasia),
colon, or skin. Dysplasia can range from mild to severe, with
more severe forms carrying a higher risk of progressing to
cancer.
2. Leukoplakia: A condition where thick white patches form
on the mucous membranes, often in the mouth or throat,
commonly linked with tobacco use. Leukoplakia can become
cancerous, especially if dysplasia is present.
3. Adenomatous Polyps: These are growths in the colon or
rectum that are not cancerous but have the potential to turn
into colorectal cancer if left untreated. Colonoscopy
screenings often aim to detect and remove these polyps
early.
4. Barrett's Esophagus: A condition in which the lining of
the esophagus changes, often due to chronic acid reflux
(GERD). Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk of developing
esophageal cancer.
5. Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly patches on the skin,
usually caused by sun exposure, that can potentially develop
into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

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  Can


AGENTS OF CANCER
Carcinogens:- External substances or
environmental factors that can cause cancer by
damaging the DNA in cells or by disrupting
cellular processes, leading to uncontrolled cell
growth. Types of Carcinogens:
 Chemical Carcinogens: Such as tobacco
smoke, asbestos, benzene, and
formaldehyde, which directly damage DNA
or affect cellular regulation.
 Physical Carcinogens: Like ionizing radiation
(from X-rays, radon gas) and UV radiation
from the sun, which cause DNA damage.
 Biological Carcinogens: Including certain
viruses (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B and C) and
bacteria (e.g., H. pylori), which may

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introduce viral genes.

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Oncogenes:- Mutated or overactive versions of
normal genes (called proto-oncogenes) that
regulate cell growth, division, and survival.
When these genes become mutated or
dysregulated, they can drive cells to grow and
divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
Proto-Oncogenes: In a normal, healthy cell,
proto-oncogenes play a key role in cell growth
and differentiation. However, mutations (which
may be caused by carcinogens, radiation, or
inherited genetic factors) can transform proto-
oncogenes into oncogenes.
Examples of Oncogenes:
 RAS: A family of genes that, when mutated,
cause cells to grow and divide excessively.
RAS mutations are common in cancers like
pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer.
 HER2: This gene encodes a protein involved
in cell growth and division. Overexpression
of HER2 is seen in some breast cancers.

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MYC: This gene regulates cell division, and
mutations or amplification of MYC.

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 CAUSES OF CANCER
1. Genetic Factors: Inherited mutations
and family history of cancer increase risk.
2. Environmental Carcinogens: Exposure
to substances like tobacco smoke, asbestos,
and benzene can lead to cancer.
3. Radiation Exposure: UV rays (from the
sun), ionizing radiation (X-rays, radon), and
nuclear radiation can damage DNA and
cause cancer.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy
alcohol use, poor diet, obesity, and lack of
physical activity are linked to various
cancers.
5. Infections: Viruses (HPV, Hepatitis B
and C) and bacteria (*H. pylori*) can
increase cancer risk.
6. Hormones: Factors like hormone
replacement therapy and certain
reproductive factors can affect cancer risk.
7. Immune Suppression: Conditions or
medications that weaken the immune
system elevate cancer risk. [Link]: Cancer
risk increases with age due to accumulated
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genetic mutations and prolonged exposure
to carcinogens.

TYPES OF CANCER
1. Breast Cancer:- Type of cancer that
forms in the cells of the breast, usually
beginning in the ducts (ductal
carcinoma) or lobules (lobular
carcinoma).
Causes/Risk Factors
 Age,
 genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations)
 hormonal factors
 lifestyle (obesity, alcohol)
 family history
Symptoms
 Lump in the breast
 Changes in breast shape
 Skin dimpling
 Nipple discharge and pain
Treatment
Options include surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and
targeted therapy.
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PAGE 18
[Link] Cancer :- Type of cancer that
occurs in the prostate, a small gland that
produces seminal fluid in men. It is one of
the most common cancers among men.
Causes/Risk Factors
 Age (risk increases after 50)
 Family history of prostate cancer
 Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2)
 Ethnicity (higher rates in African American
men)
 Obesity and diet (high-fat diets may
contribute)
Symptoms
 Early stages often have no symptoms.
 Advanced cancer may cause difficulty
urinating, blood in urine or semen, pelvic
pain, and erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosis
 Screening methods include the prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal
exam (DRE).
 Confirmatory diagnosis typically involves a
biopsy.
Treatment
 Options depend on cancer stage and include
active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy),
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radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and
chemotherapy.

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 2. Leukemia:- Type of cancer that
affects the blood and bone marrow,
characterized by the uncontrolled production
of abnormal white blood cells. It can
interfere with the body's ability to produce
normal blood cells, leading to various health
issues.
Causes/Risk Factors:
 Genetic predisposition (family history)
 Previous radiation exposure or chemotherapy
 Certain genetic disorders (e.g., Down
syndrome)
 Exposure to chemicals (benzene, for
example)
Symptoms:
 Fatigue and weakness
 Frequent infections
 Easy bruising or bleeding
 Weight loss
 Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
Diagnosis:
 Blood tests (complete blood count)
 Bone marrow biopsy
 Genetic testing to identify specific mutations
Treatment:

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Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy, Radiation
therapy, Stem cell transplant for severe cases.
3. Ewings Sarcoma:- A rare and
aggressive type of bone cancer that primarily
affects children and young adults. It typically
arises in the long bones, pelvis, or soft
tissues around the bones.
Causes/Risk Factors:
 Exact causes are unknown; genetic factors
may play a role.
 More common in males and typically
diagnosed between ages 10 and 20.
Symptoms:
 Pain and swelling in the affected area.
 Tenderness, especially around the bone.
 Fever and fatigue may also occur.
Diagnosis:
 Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) to
identify tumors.
 Biopsy to confirm the presence of Ewing's
sarcoma cells.
Treatment:
 A combination of chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, and surgery to remove the tumor.
 Treatment plans are often tailored based on
the tumor’s location and stage.

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 4. Retinoblastoma (Eye Cancer):- A rare
type of eye cancer that primarily affects
young children, typically under the age of 5.
It develops in the retina, the light-sensitive
tissue at the back of the eye.
Causes/Risk Factors:
 Caused by genetic mutations, often
inherited; may be associated with a family
history of the disease.
 The RB1 gene is commonly implicated in
hereditary cases.
Symptoms:
 A white reflection in the pupil (often
described as "cat’s eye" reflex).
 Crossed eyes (strabismus) or abnormal eye
movements.
 Red or swollen eyes.
 Vision problems.

Diagnosis:
 Eye examinations by an ophthalmologist.
 Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT
scans to assess tumor presence and extent.
Treatment:
 Options may include chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or
surgery (enucleation in severe cases).

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 DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
[Link] Tests:
 Mammograms for breast cancer.
 Pap smears for cervical cancer.
 Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer.
 PSA tests for prostate cancer.
2. Physical Examination:
 Doctors check for lumps, changes in skin, and
other abnormalities.
3. Imaging Tests:
 X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound are used to
visualize internal structures and detect tumors.
4. Laboratory Tests:
 Blood tests can reveal tumor markers and other
indicators of cancer.
 Urine tests may also detect specific cancers.
5. Biopsy:
 Removal of tissue for microscopic examination is
the definitive method for diagnosing cancer.
Types include fine-needle aspiration, core needle
biopsy, and excisional biopsy.
6. Genetic Testing:
 Identifies inherited mutations linked to specific
cancers, aiding in risk assessment and treatment
planning.

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 TREATMENT OF CANCER
1. Surgery:
 To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. It
can be curative or palliative (to relieve
symptoms).
2. Radiation Therapy:
 Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or
shrink tumors.
3. Chemotherapy:
 Uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer
cells. Often affects the whole body. Can be given
intravenously or orally, typically in cycles.
4. Hormone Therapy:
 Blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain
cancers (e.g., breast and prostate cancers). Can
involve medications or surgical procedures (e.g.,
oophorectomy for women).
5. Immunotherapy:
 Helps the immune system recognize and attack
cancer cells. Includes checkpoint inhibitors, CAR
T-cell therapy, and vaccines.
6. Stem Cell Transplant:
 Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy
stem cells, often after high-dose chemotherapy or
radiation.

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PAGE 26
 EXPERIMENT
OBJECTIVE:
Visit the Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar to
learn more about cancer by peaking with
oncologists and interviewing patients to learn
about their opinions and experiences with the
illness.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
A list of questions, consent forms, school identity
card, notebooks, pens, voice recorder and
camera.
PROCEDURE:
1. Information regarding cancer was acquired
during a visit to the Apollo hospital located in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
2. Firstly, we had a conversation with the
oncology division. The chief oncologists gave us
an overview of the illness.
3. We asked the doctors a series of questions
based on our list of questions, which is included
in the observations.
4. Secondly, we were granted permission by the
doctors to speak to the cancer patients. We
received assistance from the nurses and medical
staff to continue our experiment.
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5. Conversations with the cancer patients
revealed what they thought and experienced
regarding the illness, as well as how it had
affected their lives.
6. Certain details of the patients were recorded
along with the type of cancer they had been
diagnosed with.
7. Following all hospital policies and protecting
patient privacy when requesting information
allowed the experiment to be completed
successfully.

OBSERVATIONS
(1) Questionnaire with the oncologists.
1)What are the risk factors and lifestyle choices
that can increase a person's likelihood of
developing cancer?
Doctor: Risk factors include tobacco use,
excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to
carcinogens mutations- (e.g.. UV radiation,
asbestos), family history of cancer, and certain
genetic Lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy
diet, lack exercise, and obesity factors to reduce
the likelihood of cancer. a healthy lifestyle and
avoid these risk factors to reduce the likelihood
of cancer.

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2)How important is early detection in improving
cancer outcomes, and what are the various
methods cancer screening?
Doctor: Early detection significantly improves
outcomes. Screening methods, like
mammograms and colonoscopies, aid in early
diagnosis. These tests are crucial in identifying
cancer at more treatable stages.
3) Can you discuss the role of genetics in cancer
and how genetic testing is used in both
prevention and treatment?
Doctor: Genetics play a significant role. Genetic
testing identifies mutations and helps tailor
treatments. It's also vital for assessing cancer
risk, enabling prevention strategies.
4) What are the psychological and emotional
challenges faced by cancer patients, and what
support systems are available for them?
Doctor: Patients experience emotional distress,
anxiety, and depression. Support systems
include counseling, support groups, and
palliative care to address psychological
challenges and improve overall well-being.
5) How does cancer research contribute to our
understanding of the disease and the
development of new treatments? What are some
promising areas of research in oncology?
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Doctor: Research enhances our understanding of
cancer's molecular basis. It leads to innovative
treatments like immunotherapy and targeted
therapies. Promising areas include cancer
immunogenomics and liquid biopsies.

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 (2) Patient Information
PATIENT NAME: SMARAJIT PATNAIK
AGE: 48 YEARS
GENDER: MALE
HEIGHT: 173 CM
WEIGHT: 75 KG
ETHNICITY: HINDU

DIAGNOSIS: INVASIVE
ADENOCARCINOMA
DATE OF ADMISSION: 10 – 10 - 2017
STAGE: Stage II (2) adenocarcinoma
RISK FACTORS: Smoking and alcohol
intake
TREATMENT: CHEMOTHERAPY
HISTOLOGIC REPORT:
SIDE EFFECTS: NONE

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CONCLUSION OF THE EXPERIMENT:
Complexity and Diversity: Cancer is a complex
disease with diverse forms, affecting individuals
across various demographics and regions.
Treatment Advancements: Treatment has
evolved significantly, including innovative
therapies like immunotherapy, but access
disparities and research gaps persist.
Collaboration is Key: Collaboration among
experts, policymakers, and communities, is vital
for progress in research and treatment.
Need for Holistic Action: Combating cancer
requires holistic approach, including prevention,
early detection, equal treatment access, and
strong support systems.
Continued Education: Education about risk
factors and early detection remains pivotal in
empowering individuals and fostering a
proactive approach toward cancer awareness.

This experiment thus explores the complex

world of cancer, revealing its nuances and
showcasing the evolving field of research,
healthcare, and patient experiences related to
this illness. Hence it's evident that cancer is not
just merely a medical challenge but a deeply

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personal journey for individuals and families
alike.

MATERIAL EVIDENCE

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 CONCLUSION
This project has provided significant insights
into understanding, diagnosing, and treating
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cancer. Through our research on [specific focus,
e.g., genetic factors, environmental influences,
or a particular type of cancer], we have
identified critical patterns that can contribute to
early detection and more effective treatment
approaches. These findings reinforce the
importance of precision medicine, which tailors
treatments to individual patients based on their
unique characteristics.
However, while these results are promising, they
also highlight the need for further research.
Future studies should expand to include larger
and more diverse populations, as well as explore
new technologies and therapeutic options to
maximize patient outcomes. Continued
collaboration among researchers, healthcare
providers, and policymakers will be essential in
overcoming the challenges posed by cancer and
advancing toward a cure.
Ultimately, this project underscores the
potential for innovative research to make a
tangible difference in the lives of those affected
by cancer, giving hope that with ongoing
advancements, we can improve survival rates
and quality of life for patients around the world.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• NCERT Books

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