UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Cell Division and

Introduction to Cancer

Jan Paolo T. Cosmiano, RN

 Topic Outline
• Interphase
G1
S Phase
G2
• Mitosis
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
• Introduction to Cancer
Definition
Causes
Risk Factors
Signs and Symptoms

Insert Running Title 2

 Interphase
• is the longest part of the cell cycle. This is when the cell
grows and copies its DNA before moving into mitosis.
During mitosis, chromosomes will align, separate, and move
into new daughter cells.
•  takes place between one mitotic (M) phase and the next.
• Interphase consists of three steps: G1, S Phase and G2

Insert Running Title 3

 Interphase
• G1 phase: first gap phase; the cell grows larger and organelles are
copied
• S phase: synthesis phase; the cell synthesizes a complete copy of the
DNA in its nucleus
• G2 phase: second gap phase; the cell grows more, makes proteins
and organelles, and begins to reorganize its contents in preparation
for mitosis

Insert Running Title 4

 Mitosis
• a process of cell duplication, or reproduction, during which one cell
gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells. 
• Consist of four basic phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and
Telophase. These phases occur in strict sequential order, and
cytokinesis - the process of dividing the cell contents to make two
new cells - starts in anaphase or telophase.

Insert Running Title 5

 Prophase
• In early prophase, the cell starts to
break down some structures and
build others up, setting the stage for
division of the chromosomes.
• The chromosomes start to condense
(making them easier to pull apart
later on).
• The mitotic spindle begins to form.
The spindle is a structure made of
microtubules, strong fibers that are
part of the cell’s “skeleton.”
Insert Running Title 6
 Metaphase
• In metaphase, the spindle has
captured all the chromosomes
and lined them up at the middle
of the cell, ready to divide.
• All the chromosomes align at
the metaphase plate

Insert Running Title 7

 Anaphase
• In anaphase, the sister
chromatids separate from each
other and are pulled towards
opposite ends of the cell.
• The protein “glue” that holds
the sister chromatids together is
broken down, allowing them to
separate. Each is now its own
chromosome. The chromosomes
of each pair are pulled towards
opposite ends of the cell.

Insert Running Title 8

 Telophase
• In telophase, the cell is nearly
done dividing. The mitotic
spindle is broken down into its
building blocks.
• Two new nuclei form, one for
each set of chromosomes.
Nuclear membranes and
nucleoli reappear.
• The chromosomes begin to
decondense and return to
their “stringy” form.
Insert Running Title 9
 Cancer
• Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized
by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and
have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer
often has the ability to spread throughout your body.

Insert Running Title 10

 Cancer
• Causes
Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within cells. The DNA inside a cell is
packaged into a large number of individual genes, each of which contains a set of instructions
telling the cell what functions to perform, as well as how to grow and divide. Errors in the
instructions can cause the cell to stop its normal function and may allow a cell to become
cancerous.

Most of the body’s cells have specific functions and fixed lifespans. While it may sound like a bad
thing, cell death is part of a natural and beneficial phenomenon called apoptosis.
A cell receives instructions to die so that the body can replace it with a newer cell that functions
better. Cancerous cells lack the components that instruct them to stop dividing and to die.
As a result, they build up in the body, using oxygen and nutrients that would usually nourish
other cells. Cancerous cells can form tumors, impair the immune system and cause other
changes that prevent the body from functioning regularly.

Insert Running Title 11

 Cancer
• A gene mutation can instruct a healthy cell to:
1. Allow rapid growth.
2. Fail to stop uncontrolled cell growth
3. Make mistakes when repairing DNA errors

Insert Running Title 12

 Risk Factors
1. Age
• Cancer can take decades to develop. That's why most people diagnosed with cancer are
65 or older. While it's more common in older adults, cancer isn't exclusively an adult
disease — cancer can be diagnosed at any age.
2. Lifestyle
• Certain lifestyle choices are known to increase your risk of cancer. Smoking, drinking
more than one alcoholic drink a day (for women of all ages and men older than age 65) or
two drinks a day (for men age 65 and younger), excessive exposure to the sun or
frequent blistering sunburns, being obese, and having unsafe sex can contribute to
cancer.
3. Family History
• Only a small portion of cancers are due to an inherited condition. If cancer is common in
your family, it's possible that mutations are being passed from one generation to the
next.

Insert Running Title 13

 Risk Factors
4. Health Conditions
• Some chronic health conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, can markedly
increase the risk of developing certain cancers. 
5. Environment
• The environment around may contain harmful chemicals that can increase
the risk of cancer. Even if someone don't smoke, he/she might inhale
secondhand smoke if they go where people are smoking or if they live with
someone who smokes. Chemicals at home or workplace, such as asbestos
and benzene, also are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Insert Running Title 14

 Signs and Symptoms
C-hange in bowel or bladder habits
A- sore that does not heal
U-nusual bleeding or discharge
T-hickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I-ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O-bvious change in wart or mole
N-aging cough or hoarseness
U-nexplained anemia
S-udden loss of weight
Insert Running Title 15
 References
Baker, D (2021). Teach me physiology: Mitosis. Retrieved from
https://teachmephysiology.com/biochemistry/cell-growth-death/mitosis/

Khan Academy(2021). Phases of mitosis. Retrieved from

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/cell-communication-and-cell-cycle/cell- cycle/a/phases-
of-mitosis

National Cancer Institute(2015). Understanding cancer, Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-

cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#:~:text=Cancer%20is%20the%20name%20given,up%20of% 20trillions
%20of%20cells.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(2018). Cancer. Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms- causes/syc-20370588

Nall, R(2020). What to know about cancer. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648

Balita, C(2015). Ultimate learning Guide for Nursing Review. Cancer 9 warning signs. P.368

Insert Running Title 16