Chapter 10: Behavioral Factors in Cancer

Smokers are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer.

A high-fat diet can increase cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for various cancers including colon cancer.

Foods with certain additives or contaminants, as well as some fungi on natural foods, are suspected to be carcinogenic.

<p>Obesity increases the risk factors for cancers such as esophageal, breast, endometrial, and kidney cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Research initially suggested that selenium might help protect against colon and prostate cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Eating an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables may reduce the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A fruit and vegetable-rich diet may reduce the instance of stomach cancer by 19%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A high-fat diet can contribute to increased cholesterol levels, which is linked to testicular cancer among others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mortality rates are declining.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thyroid cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer has become perceived as a chronic disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Improved treatments and lifestyle changes such as better diet and increased physical activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Liver cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ethnic background can influence risk, with African Americans showing higher rates of some cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Advancements in early detection and treatment may lead to more cases being diagnosed but not necessarily more deaths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The incidence and mortality rate of melanoma are increasing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>While genetic factors play a role, a significant portion of cancers is attributed to environmental and behavioral factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<ol> <li>Air pollution - inhaling contaminated air; 2. UV radiation - exposure from sunbathing; 3. Asbestos - contact in older buildings.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Pancreatic cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<ol> <li>Smoking - highest risk; 2. Poor diet - significant impact; 3. Physical inactivity - contributes to several cancers.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Optimistic bias leads individuals to underestimate their personal risk of developing cancer, potentially influencing unhealthy behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Factors such as stress, social support, and coping mechanisms can impact cancer development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<ol> <li>Strong social support; 2. Positive coping strategies; 3. Access to information and resources.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alcohol is a risk factor for certain cancers but not as strong as smoking or an imprudent diet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer is more likely to develop in cirrhotic livers than in healthy ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk for certain types of cancers, including colon and breast cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cumulative and occasional severe sunburns increase the risk of developing skin cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of colon, endometrium, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both smoking and heavy alcohol consumption independently increase the risk for certain cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Maintaining an ideal body weight contributes to overall diet and helps lower cancer risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The mortality rate for skin cancer is generally low due to early detection and effective treatment options.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Malignant melanoma; it is most often found in light-skinned people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It contributes to the damage that can eventually lead to skin cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Vitamin D can lower the risk associated with many cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>HPV exposure increases the risk for cervical cancer and oral cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Certain sexual behaviors contribute to cancer deaths, particularly related to AIDS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The evidence of a link between personality and cancer is weak.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fear, anxiety, and anger are common responses to a cancer diagnosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Social support is necessary to increase the likelihood of survival for cancer patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Common side effects include burns, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sterility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Factors such as negative emotionality and social inhibition can lead to poor adjustment, while optimism aids better adjustment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Marriage reduces a man's chances of dying from cancer by 27% and a woman's chances by 19%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Effective therapy should improve emotional well-being and provide social support or an opportunity to express emotions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>There is a lack of evidence that specific coping styles improve survival or reduce the risk of recurrence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Peer support groups provide emotional support and a sense of community for cancer patients lacking marital support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Challenges include long recovery times and a significant emotional toll on the patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and emotional stress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cancer deaths in the US have decreased since 1991, partially due to improved treatments and reduced cancer rates, particularly from lung cancer.

An increase in cancer diagnoses (incidence) might not mean a corresponding increase in cancer deaths (mortality). This is due to various factors, such as improved treatments.

The idea that genetics cause 60% of cancers is disputed.

Environmental factors contribute to cancer risk. Examples could include exposure to pollutants or certain chemicals.

Behaviors impact cancer risk, like diet and exercise. Some behaviors are more significant risk factors than others, and can be ranked.

A tendency to believe that you're less likely to experience negative outcomes (like cancer) due to your behaviors or choices.

Mental and social factors (like stress and support systems) which play a role in the development of cancer.

Cancer treatments have advantages and disadvantages.

The death rates for many common cancers, such as lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal, are declining in the US, likely due to advancements in treatments and early detection.

While many cancers are seeing decreased mortality, liver cancer is experiencing an increase in incidence and mortality rates.

Thyroid cancer is seeing an increase in incidence rates among men but a decrease in women.

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate and is increasing in incidence, making it a serious concern.

Some experts suggest that cancer is becoming more manageable and can be lived with for extended periods due to improved treatments, shifting the perception from a fatal diagnosis to a chronic condition.

Factors beyond personal control that can increase cancer risk include genetics, family history, ethnicity, and age.

Ethnic background can significantly impact cancer risk, with some groups experiencing higher rates and mortality rates than others.

African Americans often face higher rates of nearly every cancer and higher mortality rates compared to European Americans.

Certain foods are suspected of causing cancer due to contaminants, additives, or natural components like certain fungi.

High dietary fat intake is linked to increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer. It can also raise cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for testicular cancer in men.

Obesity is linked to increased risk of various cancers, including esophageal, breast, endometrial, and kidney cancers.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of various cancers, including stomach, esophageal, lung, and colorectal cancer.

Selenium is a trace element found in grains and meat. While initially believed to protect against colon and prostate cancer, further research showed no conclusive evidence of this benefit.

Certain nutrients can offer protection against specific cancers, while others might not. Some research suggests that fruits and vegetables might help reduce cancer risk.

Factors such as smoking, diet, obesity, and exposure to carcinogens contribute to cancer risk.

Smokers are significantly more likely to develop lung cancer, with estimates showing they have a 25 times higher risk.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of certain cancers, such as mouth, esophagus, breast, and liver cancer. The risk varies depending on the amount consumed and the type of cancer.

Combining smoking and heavy drinking significantly increases the risk of cancer, exceeding the risk of either factor alone.

A lack of physical activity increases the risk of various cancers, including colon, endometrium, breast, lung, and pancreas cancer.

Obesity increases the risk of certain cancers, partly due to the link between weight and inflammation.

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including colon, endometrium, breast, and lung cancer.

Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Both cumulative exposure and occasional sunburns contribute to this risk.

The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing in the US, but the mortality rate remains relatively low due to improved treatments.

Cirrhosis of the liver, often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, commonly found in people with lighter skin.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases the risk of developing cervical and oral cancer.

A vaccine exists to prevent HPV infections, but vaccination rates remain low in high-risk age groups.

A cancer diagnosis can be extremely stressful, leading to anxiety, fear, and anger.

Having a strong social support network increases the likelihood of survival for cancer patients.

Most cancer treatments come with negative side effects, which can add further stress to patients, families, and friends.

There's weak evidence suggesting a link between personality traits and cancer risk.

The most common cancer treatments are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal treatment, and immunotherapy.

Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis is challenging, and some people cope better than others. Negative emotionality and social inhibition can contribute to a poor reaction.

Optimism is strongly linked to better adjustment to a cancer diagnosis. However, its impact on long-term outcomes is less clear.

There's no evidence that adopting specific coping styles improves survival or reduces cancer recurrence.

For both men and women, marriage significantly reduces the risk of dying from cancer.

While economic and healthcare factors play a role, emotional support from a partner is crucial for cancer survival.

Peer support groups provide valuable support for cancer patients, especially those without strong marital support.

Psychological interventions aim to improve emotional well-being, increase survival time, or both.