11. Cancer Epidemiology Flashcards
most frequently dx cancers
prostate and breast cancer
for which cancers have death rates been increasing?
pancreas, liver, uterus and for melanoma in men
important factor in development of cancer -> causes cell mutation
chronic inflammation
Explain how cytokines can lead to cell mutation
cytokines are supposed to help the inflammatory process but when overproduced -> cause damage to tissues
leading cause of preventable death in the US
tobacco (any type or kind)
Who is at greatest risk of lung cancer?
nonsmokers who live with smokers through environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)
2 types of ETS
- sidestream smoke (comes from burning end of cigarette) - mainstream smoke (exhaled from smoker)
Risk factor for cancers of the lung, lower urinary tract, upper aerodigestive, liver, kidney, pancreas, cervix, uterus, and myeloid leukemia
tobacco
What are some dietary sources of carcinogens?
- cooking fat, meat, or protein - naturally occurring carcinogens associated w/ plant food substances (alkaloids or mold byproducts)
3 factors related to obesity and cancer
- insulin-IGF-1 axis - sex hormones - adipokines or adipocyte-derived cytokines
What type of cancer are obese women at increased risk of and why?
breast cancer due to increased estrogen in their tissues
Explain the metabolic alternations that occur in adipose tissue from obesity
changes include insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypoxia, and chronic inflammation
Risk factor for oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers
alcohol consumption
T/F: there is no “safe limit” of alcohol intake
True
4 reasons that physical activity reduces cancer risk
- decreases insulin and insulin-like growth factors - decreases obesity - decreases inflammatory mediators and free radicals - increases gut motility
What risk for cancer is dose related?
ionizing radiation
Where is ionizing radiation (IR) found today?
- diagnostic testing (Xray, CT, radioisotopes) - environment (radon from soil) - radiation therapy for cancer
T/F: radiation induced cancer occurs rapidly
False; latent period (usually 5-10 years)
directly radiated cells can lead to genetic effects in innocent cells that received no direct radiation exposure
bystander effect
cells not directly exposed to radiation but progeny of cells that were irradiated many cell divisions previously may express high level of gene mutations
genomic instability
term for bystander effect and genomic instability
“nontargeted” effects
sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- sunlight - electric lights - black lights - tanning lamps
What types of UV wavelengths cause the most damage?
- UVA: weaker than UVB but penetrates deeper into skin and more constant throughout the year - UVB: affects the outer layers of the skin
3 effects of UVA and UVB
- released TNF-a in epidermis - production of ROS - promotes skin inflammation and release of free radicals
3 types of skin cancer
- basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) - melanoma (melanocytes)
incidence of BCC and SCC strongly correlate with what?
lifetime sunlight exposure
What types of individuals are at higher risk for skin cancer?
- light/pale skin - freckle easily - light eyes - red hair
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated w/ what cancer?
75-89% of all stomach cancers
HBV and HCV accounts for majority of what type of cancer?
liver cancer
EBV is linked to what types of cancers?
nasopharynx and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
What types of HPV are responsible for majority of cancers
HPV types 16 and 18
6 types of cancers associated w/ HPV
- cervix - penis - vulva - anus - oropharynx (tongue and tonsils)
outdoor pollution is associated with what type of cancer?
lung cancer
Where are exposure levels to radon the greatest?
underground mines
Type of lung cancers caused by radon
bronchogenic; can also cause small cell carcinoma in underground mines
Asbestos causes what types of cancers
mesothelioma and lung cancer
Manufactured dyes, rubber, paint, and aromatic amines have been linked to what cancer?
bladder cancer
3 main factors that lead to altered epigenomic marks
- lifestyle - carcinogen exposures - occupational exposures
