Epidemiology of Cancer Overview

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Questions and Answers

What factor is NOT mentioned as influencing cancer incidence?

  • Gender
  • Occupation (correct)
  • Age
  • Geography

Which cancer is most common in younger individuals of both genders?

  • Leukemia (correct)
  • Breast cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer

Which of the following cancers is more common in older age for females?

  • Leukemia
  • Skin cancer
  • Colorectal cancer (correct)
  • Sarcoma

At what age group does breast cancer incidence start to decline, according to the provided information?

<p>≥ 75 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of accumulating somatic mutations in relation to cancer?

<p>Increased age-related cancer incidence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental agent is specifically associated with lung carcinoma?

<p>Asbestos (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of leukemias in older age compared to younger age?

<p>Lower grade in older age (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reduces the prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma?

<p>Antiretroviral treatment for HIV (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agents is associated with angiosarcoma of the liver?

<p>Vinyl chloride (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dietary factors increase the risk of malignancy?

<p>Deficiency in vitamins (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic syndrome is linked to a predisposition for breast and ovarian cancer?

<p>BRCA1, BRCA2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a known consequence of smoking?

<p>Causal for cancers of the mouth and esophagus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is considered a non-hereditary predisposing condition to cancer?

<p>Chronic inflammation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cancer is not typically related to occupational exposures?

<p>Melanoma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cancers has been linked to heavy alcohol use?

<p>Breast cancer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic condition is associated with defective DNA repair mechanisms?

<p>Fanconi's anemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cancer Incidence

The number of new cancers occurring in a population each year, expressed per 100,000 people at risk.

Factors Affecting Cancer Incidence

Cancer incidence varies based on age, gender, geography, and genetics.

Age and Cancer Incidence

Cancer risk increases with age due to genetic mutations and reduced immune function.

Common Cancers in Young Females

Leukemia is the most common cancer in young females; it tends to be high grade.

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Common Cancers in Older Females

In older age, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers are more prevalent and breast cancer incidence declines post-menopause.

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Kaposi Sarcoma

A cancer linked to Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus-8, common in AIDS patients.

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Environmental Cancer Variables

Various factors like occupational exposures contribute to specific cancer types.

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Occupational Cancer Risks

Asbestos causes lung cancer; benzene is linked to leukemia in specific industries.

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Lymphoma

A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system.

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Vinyl Chloride

A chemical associated with angiosarcoma of the liver, used in refrigerants and adhesives.

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UV Light

Ultraviolet light exposure can lead to melanoma, particularly among outdoor workers.

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Alcohol Abuse

Increases the risk for several cancers including oral and breast cancer.

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Autosomal Dominant

A genetic inheritance pattern where one mutated copy of a gene can cause a related cancer.

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BRCA1/BRCA2 Genes

Mutations in these genes are associated with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

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Chronic Inflammation

Condition that can lead to various cancers, such as from ulcerative colitis or hepatitis.

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Xeroderma Pigmentosum

An autosomal recessive syndrome leading to increased sensitivity to UV light and skin cancer.

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Study Notes

Epidemiology of Cancer

  • Cancer incidence is the number of new cancers of a specific site/type occurring in a specified population during a year.
  • It's usually expressed as the number of cancers per 100,000 population at risk.
  • Cancer incidence varies based on age, gender, geography, and genetics.
  • Cancer incidence is reported by gender (male and female) and age groups.

Environmental Variables

  • Occupational exposures can increase cancer risk.
    • Asbestos exposure is linked to lung carcinoma, mesothelioma, and gastrointestinal tract malignancies.
    • Benzene is associated with leukemia.
    • Vinyl chloride is a risk factor for angiosarcoma, liver, and lymphoma.
    • Ethylene oxide exposure is linked to leukemia.
    • Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a risk factor for melanoma.
    • Formaldehyde/wood dust exposure is associated with nasopharyngeal cancers.
    • Exposure to arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds increase prostate cancer risk.

Other Factors Affecting Cancer Risk

  • Alcohol abuse increases the risk of cancers of oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, liver, and breast.
  • Smoking is a significant risk factor for cancers of the lung, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and pancreas.
  • Diet plays a role in malignancy risk. Overweight, vitamin deficiencies, and diets high in animal fats can increase cancer risk.
  • Reproductive factors - prolonged unopposed estrogen stimulation can increase certain cancer risks.
  • Infectious agents can also contribute to cancer development.

Genetic Predisposition to Cancer

  • Inheritance of cancer can be:
    • Autosomal dominant: Includes retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, colorectal adenocarcinoma, neurofibromatosis, breast and ovarian cancers.
    • Autosomal recessive: Includes xeroderma pigmentosum, ataxia telangiectasia, Bloom's syndrome, and Fanconi's anemia.
  • Familial cancers: Cancer can run in families. Some examples are breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.

Non-Hereditary Factors

  • Chronic inflammation: Conditions like Ulcerative colitis, Helicobacter pylori gastritis/ulcer, and viral hepatitis can lead to cancer.
  • Precancerous conditions: Certain conditions can increase cancer risk, such as Barrett's esophagus, chronic atrophic gastritis, cirrhosis, chronic oral irritation, Marjolin's ulcer, and neurofibromatosis.
  • Immune deficiency: Deficiencies in T-cell immunity can increase cancer risk.

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