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Questions and Answers
What is the increased likelihood of smokers developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers?
What is the increased likelihood of smokers developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers?
Smokers are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer.
How is dietary fat linked to cancer risks?
How is dietary fat linked to cancer risks?
A high-fat diet can increase cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for various cancers including colon cancer.
What types of foods are suspected to be carcinogenic?
What types of foods are suspected to be carcinogenic?
Foods with certain additives or contaminants, as well as some fungi on natural foods, are suspected to be carcinogenic.
What role does obesity play in cancer risk?
What role does obesity play in cancer risk?
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What was the initial belief about selenium in relation to cancer?
What was the initial belief about selenium in relation to cancer?
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How does a diet rich in fruits and vegetables influence cancer risk?
How does a diet rich in fruits and vegetables influence cancer risk?
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By what percentage might a fruit and vegetable-rich diet reduce stomach cancer risk?
By what percentage might a fruit and vegetable-rich diet reduce stomach cancer risk?
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What effect does a high-fat diet have on cancer risk?
What effect does a high-fat diet have on cancer risk?
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What cancers account for about half of all cancer deaths in the United States?
What cancers account for about half of all cancer deaths in the United States?
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What has been the trend in mortality rates for many common cancers?
What has been the trend in mortality rates for many common cancers?
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Which type of cancer is noted for having increasing incidence rates in men but decreasing rates in women?
Which type of cancer is noted for having increasing incidence rates in men but decreasing rates in women?
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What is one reason people continue to fear cancer despite declining mortality rates?
What is one reason people continue to fear cancer despite declining mortality rates?
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What two factors have contributed to the decline in cancer deaths in the United States?
What two factors have contributed to the decline in cancer deaths in the United States?
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Which cancer's mortality rate is falling thanks to improved treatments and early detection?
Which cancer's mortality rate is falling thanks to improved treatments and early detection?
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How does ethnic background affect cancer risk factors?
How does ethnic background affect cancer risk factors?
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How can an increase in the incidence of a cancer not equate to an increased death rate?
How can an increase in the incidence of a cancer not equate to an increased death rate?
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What two aspects of cancer incidence are mentioned in relation to melanoma?
What two aspects of cancer incidence are mentioned in relation to melanoma?
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Refute the statement: Genetic factors are the cause of 60% of cancers.
Refute the statement: Genetic factors are the cause of 60% of cancers.
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Name three environmental risk factors for cancer and describe how people encounter them.
Name three environmental risk factors for cancer and describe how people encounter them.
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Which highly lethal cancer was famously diagnosed in Steve Jobs?
Which highly lethal cancer was famously diagnosed in Steve Jobs?
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Rank the behavioral factors for cancer according to severity of risk and explain your reasoning.
Rank the behavioral factors for cancer according to severity of risk and explain your reasoning.
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What is the role of optimistic bias in behavioral risk factors for cancer?
What is the role of optimistic bias in behavioral risk factors for cancer?
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What psychosocial factors can influence the development of cancer?
What psychosocial factors can influence the development of cancer?
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Describe three factors associated with good adjustment to a cancer diagnosis.
Describe three factors associated with good adjustment to a cancer diagnosis.
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How does alcohol consumption relate to cancer risk compared to smoking and diet?
How does alcohol consumption relate to cancer risk compared to smoking and diet?
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What is the relationship between cirrhosis of the liver and cancer risk?
What is the relationship between cirrhosis of the liver and cancer risk?
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What role does a sedentary lifestyle play in cancer risk?
What role does a sedentary lifestyle play in cancer risk?
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What is the impact of cumulative sun exposure on skin cancer risk?
What is the impact of cumulative sun exposure on skin cancer risk?
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Which types of cancer are associated with increased physical activity?
Which types of cancer are associated with increased physical activity?
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What common risk factors exist between smoking and heavy alcohol consumption?
What common risk factors exist between smoking and heavy alcohol consumption?
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How does maintaining an ideal body weight relate to cancer prevention?
How does maintaining an ideal body weight relate to cancer prevention?
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Why is the mortality rate for skin cancer generally low despite a rising incidence?
Why is the mortality rate for skin cancer generally low despite a rising incidence?
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What is the most fatal form of skin cancer and which demographic is it most commonly found in?
What is the most fatal form of skin cancer and which demographic is it most commonly found in?
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What impact does ultraviolet light exposure during childhood have on an individual's health?
What impact does ultraviolet light exposure during childhood have on an individual's health?
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What role does vitamin D play in cancer risk?
What role does vitamin D play in cancer risk?
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How does HPV exposure relate to cancer, and which two types of cancer are particularly associated with it?
How does HPV exposure relate to cancer, and which two types of cancer are particularly associated with it?
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What is the relationship between sexual behavior and cancer deaths?
What is the relationship between sexual behavior and cancer deaths?
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What is the evidence regarding the link between personality traits and cancer risk?
What is the evidence regarding the link between personality traits and cancer risk?
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What emotional responses are common in individuals diagnosed with cancer?
What emotional responses are common in individuals diagnosed with cancer?
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What is the significance of social support in the lives of cancer patients?
What is the significance of social support in the lives of cancer patients?
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What are the common physical side effects of radiation therapy?
What are the common physical side effects of radiation therapy?
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How does a cancer diagnosis impact emotional adjustment among individuals?
How does a cancer diagnosis impact emotional adjustment among individuals?
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What role does marriage play in cancer survival rates?
What role does marriage play in cancer survival rates?
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In terms of psychological interventions, what are two objectives that effective therapy can achieve for cancer patients?
In terms of psychological interventions, what are two objectives that effective therapy can achieve for cancer patients?
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Why should people with cancer not feel pressured into adopting specific coping styles?
Why should people with cancer not feel pressured into adopting specific coping styles?
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How do peer support groups benefit those without marital support?
How do peer support groups benefit those without marital support?
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What are some common challenges faced during the recovery of surgery as a cancer treatment?
What are some common challenges faced during the recovery of surgery as a cancer treatment?
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What similarities do chemotherapy and radiation therapy share regarding side effects?
What similarities do chemotherapy and radiation therapy share regarding side effects?
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Study Notes
Chapter 10: Behavioral Factors in Cancer
- Cancer deaths peaked in 1991 after a century of rising rates.
- Since then, there's been a gradual decline in cancer death rates.
- Improved treatments, healthier diets, and increased physical activity have contributed to the decrease.
- Lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for about half of all cancer deaths in the US.
- The mortality rates for these cancers are declining.
- Stomach cancer has shifted from being the highest mortality cancer to the lowest.
- While some cancer incidences are declining, others are increasing.
- The incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer are growing.
- Melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer, is increasing, but death rates are decreasing due to improved treatments and early detection.
- Thyroid cancer is increasing in men but decreasing in women.
- Pancreatic cancer is increasing and is highly lethal, which killed Steve Jobs.
Warm-up Activity
- Students work in small groups (no more than 3 people).
- Each group identifies factors that cause or prevent cancer (e.g., high-fiber diet, leaving plastic water bottles in a hot car).
- The class then discusses the common themes related to these risk factors.
Tonight's Objectives
- Explain two factors contributing to declining cancer deaths in the US.
- Describe how the increase in cancer incidence may not equal an increase in cancer deaths.
- Refute the claim that genetics cause 60% of cancers.
- Name three environmental cancer risk factors and how people encounter them.
- Rank behavioral cancer risk factors based on severity and rationale.
- Evaluate the role of optimistic bias in behavioral risk factors for cancer.
Chapter Objectives (3 of 3)
- Evaluate the role of psychosocial factors in cancer development.
- Describe the advantages and drawbacks of common cancer treatments.
- Describe three good and three poor adjustment factors to a cancer diagnosis.
- Discuss the importance of social support for cancer patients and survivors, along with supportive sources.
Cancer Risk Factors Beyond Personal Control
- Inherent risk factors include genetics, family history, ethnicity, and age.
- Ethnic background significantly impacts cancer risk and mortality rates.
- Advancing age increases the risk of developing and dying from cancer.
- Family history and genetics contribute to cancer risk, with 5-10% of cancers resulting from inherited genetic mutations.
- Cancer death rates rise with age, with differing rates for men and women across age groups.
Environmental Risk Factors for Cancer
- Environmental risks include exposure to radiation, asbestos, pesticides, herbicides, motor exhaust, and various chemicals (e.g., arsenic, benzene, chromium, nickel, vinyl chloride, petroleum products).
- Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can cause lung cancer.
- Some diseases and chronic inflammation/infections may increase cancer risk.
Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer
- Risk factors aren't necessarily the cause of cancer, but they do predict the likelihood of developing or dying from it.
- Most behavioral factors relate to personal lifestyle choices, especially diet and smoking.
- Other behavioral risk factors include alcohol use, physical inactivity, exposure to ultraviolet light, sexual behavior, and psychosocial factors.
Smoking
- Smoking is the leading cause of 1 in 3 cancer deaths in the US.
- Smoking is a strong predictor of higher cancer mortality rates worldwide. This is evidenced across various populations.
- Smokers are significantly more likely to develop lung cancer.
Diet
- Diet is a significant factor in cancer risk.
- Some foods and food contaminants may be carcinogenic.
- High-fat diets are linked to certain cancers, particularly colon cancer, and may increase cholesterol levels linked to testicular cancer.
- Obesity increases risks of several types of cancer, including esophageal, breast, endometrial, and kidney cancer.
- Fruits and vegetables may protect against several different kinds of cancer.
Alcohol
- Alcohol consumption increases cancer risk for certain types of cancer (mouth, esophagus, breast, liver).
- Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver cirrhosis, increasing cancer risk in the liver.
- Heavy alcohol use along with smoking dramatically elevates cancer risk.
Sedentary Lifestyle
- A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing colon, endometrial, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
- Physical activity reduces the risk of these cancers and indirectly the risk associated with obesity.
Ultraviolet Light Exposure
- Exposure to ultraviolet light, particularly sunlight, is a significant risk factor for skin cancer.
- Skin cancer rates have increased since the 1970s.
- Most fatal skin cancer, malignant melanoma, occurs in people with lighter skin and is often found in childhood.
- Vitamin D production can be promoted by safe sun exposure and can correlate lower cancer risks.
Sexual Behavior
- Certain sexual behaviors increase the risk of contracting cancer (e.g., AIDS, Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma).
- HPV (human papillomavirus) is linked to cervical and oral cancers.
- HPV vaccination exists but rates are low amongst at-risk groups.
Psychosocial Risk Factors in Cancer
- Personality traits do not correlate strongly with cancer risk.
- Negative emotionality and emotional repression do not relate directly to cancer risk.
Living with Cancer
- Cancer diagnosis is very stressful, and patients experience fear, anxiety, and anger.
- Social support is crucial for survival outcomes after a cancer diagnosis.
Problems with Medical Treatments for Cancer
- Cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often have negative side effects such as pain, nausea, and fatigue.
- Additional stress on patients and their support systems is a common concern with prolonged treatments..
Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Cancer
- Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis is challenging.
- Factors associated with poor adjustment are negative emotional reactions, and social inhibition.
- Optimism is related to adapting positively to the diagnosis, but not necessarily to long-term survival improvements.
Social Support for Cancer Patients
- Marriage may reduce cancer mortality risk for both men and women.
- Economic advantages and care options are associated with stronger marital support.
- Emotional support from a partner is more significant than other factors.
- Peer support groups may provide benefits if marital support is lacking.
Psychological Interventions for Cancer Patients
- Group and individual therapy can help people cope with a cancer diagnosis.
- Psychological interventions can generally yield short-term benefits in many cases.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy might be helpful to improve patient emotional well-being.
- There isn't a "one-size fits all" approach, and a tailored approach is recommended.
Final Considerations
- The presented information helps understand factors leading to and coping with cancer.
- Individual risk factors and situations vary widely, requiring personalized support and strategies for prevention and treatment.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the key behavioral factors affecting cancer rates as discussed in Chapter 10. Learn about the trends in cancer incidence and mortality, including significant types of cancer and the impact of lifestyle changes. Explore how these factors contribute to the overall decline in cancer deaths over recent decades.