Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which virus is associated with liver cancer?
Which virus is associated with liver cancer?
What type of cancer is associated with human papillomavirus?
What type of cancer is associated with human papillomavirus?
Which of the following is an occupational chemical linked to leukemia?
Which of the following is an occupational chemical linked to leukemia?
What is a natural product that can lead to liver cancer?
What is a natural product that can lead to liver cancer?
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Radiotherapy is classified as what type of mutagen?
Radiotherapy is classified as what type of mutagen?
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Which cancer is associated with environmental exposure to asbestos?
Which cancer is associated with environmental exposure to asbestos?
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Which virus is related to both nasopharyngeal cancer and Burkitt lymphoma?
Which virus is related to both nasopharyngeal cancer and Burkitt lymphoma?
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PM10 atmospheric particles are linked to which type of cancer?
PM10 atmospheric particles are linked to which type of cancer?
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Study Notes
Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
- Cancer arises from mutations tipping the balance towards uncontrolled cell growth.
- Proto-oncogenes promote cell growth, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit it.
- Age is the strongest risk factor for cancer.
- Cancer incidence rates increase significantly with age.
- Modifiable lifestyle choices, like diet and activity, significantly influence cancer risk.
- Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy habits (like smoking and alcohol consumption) increase cancer risk.
- Alcohol consumption is linked to several cancer types, causing significant liver damage.
- Alcohol is estimated to cause 4% of cancers in the UK, with approximately 12,800 cases annually.
- Alcohol damages the liver, especially leading to inflammation.
- The process of alcohol metabolism forms acetaldehyde, damaging the liver, and increasing cancer risk.
Common Causes of DNA Damage
- DNA damage from various sources initiates cancer.
- Factors like exposure to radiation, chemicals (like benzo(a)pyrene), and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species contribute to DNA damage.
DNA Repair Mechanisms
- Various DNA repair mechanisms exist to correct damage, but their insufficiency can lead to cancer.
- These mechanisms include base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, homologous recombination, and non-homologous end joining.
- Damage and failures in these pathways contribute to cancer development.
Diet and Cancer Risk
- Diet plays a crucial role in cancer risk.
- A diet rich in fiber may reduce bowel cancer risk.
- Fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of mouth, throat, and lung cancer.
- Processed and red meat have been linked to increased bowel cancer risk.
Infections and Cancer
- Infections are responsible for 16% of cancers globally.
- Examples of infections include H. Pylori, HPV, HCV, HBV, EBV, and those leading to Kaposi's sarcoma.
Inherited Risk Factors
- Some genetic mutations inherited from parents significantly influence cancer risk.
- Genes like BRCA1/2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, TP53, PTEN, and VHL are pivotal in cancer development.
- These genes often influence DNA repair mechanisms or cellular processes crucial for preventing abnormal growth.
Environmental Mutagens
- Environmental factors like UV radiation, occupational chemicals, and natural products contribute to DNA damage.
- These environmental factors influence the risks of various cancers.
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Description
This quiz explores the various causes and risk factors associated with cancer, highlighting the roles of genetics, age, and lifestyle choices. It delves into how certain behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, contribute to DNA damage and increase cancer risk. Understand the interplay between modifiable factors and genetic predispositions.
