Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology

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Questions and Answers

What type of mutations are mainly responsible for cancer?

Somatic mutations (correct)

Viral mutations

Environmental mutations

Inherited mutations

All mutations that cause cancer are heritable.

False

Name one chemical that is known to induce DNA mutations in the context of lung cancer.

Benzo(a)pyrene

The classic mechanism of lung carcinogenesis involves mutations caused by __________ found in tobacco.

carcinogens Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Spontaneous mutations = Mutations occurring during cell division Chemical inducers = Substances like tobacco smoke that cause mutations Physical inducers = Radiation like UV light and x-rays that can cause mutations Tobacco smoke = A mixture of chemicals that induce lung cancer Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial perception of women smoking in public?

Taboo Signup and view all the answers

Women began smoking publicly as a symbol of their independence during the feminist suffrage movement.

True Signup and view all the answers

What major health issue in females increased significantly due to smoking?

Lung cancer Signup and view all the answers

Tobacco CEOs claimed that __________ is not addictive.

nicotine Signup and view all the answers

What type of advertising did tobacco companies use to appeal to young children?

Cartoon ads and candy cigarettes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tobacco-related actions with their corresponding descriptions:

Targeting young kids = Advertising with cartoons FDA rules (2010) = Banned tobacco sponsorships E-cigarettes = Promoted with flavored options Marketing to females = Smokers asserting independence Signup and view all the answers

The FDA regulations allowed tobacco products to be sold in vending machines accessible to minors.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the claims made by tobacco companies to promote their products?

Smoking is sexy Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of lung cancer cases is attributed to smoking?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Lung cancer has a higher 5-year survival rate compared to breast cancer.

False Signup and view all the answers

How many people in the US die each year due to smoking-related diseases?

450,000 Signup and view all the answers

The leading cause of cancer deaths in the US is __________.

lung cancer Signup and view all the answers

Match the following years with their significant events related to tobacco and smoking:

1992 = Tobacco smoke classified as a cancer-causing agent by US EPA 2000 = Introduction of Gleevec drug for cancer treatment 2001 = Percentage of Canadian youths who were smokers 1940s = Tobacco companies targeted women using psychological strategies Signup and view all the answers

Which group has the highest number of lung cancer deaths annually?

Smokers Signup and view all the answers

Second-hand smoke is responsible for around 70,000 deaths in the US each year.

True Signup and view all the answers

Name one long-term lung disease caused by smoking.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Signup and view all the answers

The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is around __________.

17% Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the cigarette companies have during the first world war?

They gave soldiers cigarettes for free. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cancer: A Genetic Disease

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by mutations in genes.
Primarily, these mutations are somatic (non-heritable).

Origin of Mutations

Mutations can occur spontaneously during cell division.
They can also be chemically induced (e.g., by smoking).
Or physically induced (e.g., by exposure to UV light, X-rays, or gamma rays).

Epidemiology of Cancer

Cancer development involves the accumulation of mutated genes.
Environmental factors (physical and chemical) can induce these gene mutations.
Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, etc.) can also influence cancer risk

Tobacco and Lung Cancer

Tobacco smoke contains approximately 60 known components that harm the body.
Benzo(a)pyrene, a component in cigarette smoke, is a carcinogen.
In cells, benzo(a)pyrene converts to an epoxide that damages DNA.
This damage specifically causes G-to-T mutations.
This type of mutation is more common in oncogenes found in lung and oral tissues, due to direct exposure.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
It's particularly aggressive, with a lower 5-year survival rate compared to other cancers.
Smoking's impacts extend beyond lung cancer to other diseases.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a long-term lung disease frequently caused by smoking.
Damage to alveoli (air sacs) is a key characteristic of COPD.
Smoking is a leading cause of COPD-related deaths worldwide.

General Impacts of Tobacco

Smoking is a major preventable cause of lung cancer.
Globally, it accounts for a significant portion of cancer deaths (upwards of 30%).
Tobacco is a highly dangerous cancer-causing agent, causing lung cancer and other conditions.
Cancer is preventable in most cases.

Secondhand Smoking

Secondhand smoke exposure also causes significant health problems.
Secondhand smoking contributes to lung cancer both in adults and children and even in animals.

Tobacco Use and Prevention Efforts

Despite the health risks, tobacco use remains prevalent in many parts of the world.
The tobacco industry has engaged in various tactics for promoting and selling products.
Government regulations and campaigns aim to counter these tactics, but are ongoing.

Historical Perspectives on Smoking

Strategies to convince women to smoke have involved psychological manipulations.
Tobacco companies have also used implicit denial techniques — creating doubt about established scientific facts.
Public health strategies have been used to address the tobacco crisis.

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Description

This quiz explores cancer as a genetic disease characterized by gene mutations, both somatic and induced. It delves into the origins of these mutations, their epidemiology, and the roles of environmental and lifestyle factors, especially tobacco's impact on lung cancer. Test your knowledge on how these elements contribute to cancer development.