2-A-1,2,3,4: Etiology, Epidemiology, Screening, Signs, Symptoms Flashcards
What is etiology?
Etiology is the study of what causes the disease.
What are some examples of etiology factors?
Examples of etiology factors include genetics, sun exposure, cigarette smoke, human papillomavirus (HPV), and alcohol.
What is epidemiology?
Epidemiology is the study of how many people have a disease.
What factors affect the frequency of disease? (Epidemiological factors)
The frequency of disease is affected by factors such as age, gender, race, occupation, and geographic location.
What are screening tests?
Screening tests can detect cancer before a patient shows any symptoms.
What must screening tests be?
Tests must be sensitive and specific.
What does sensitive mean in the context of screening tests?
Sensitive means it can accurately detect a tumor in the early stages.
What does specific mean in the context of screening tests?
Specific means it can detect a particular type of cancer.
Do all types of cancer have screening tests?
Not all types of cancer have screening tests.
What screening test is recommended for cervical cancer?
The Pap smear (Papanicolau smear) screens for cervical cancer.
Recommended to have Pap smears routinely after age 21.
What screening tests are recommended for colorectal cancer?
Fecal occult blood tests or a colonoscopy screens for colorectal cancer.
Recommended to have colonoscopies routinely after age 50.
What screening test is recommended for breast cancer?
Mammograms screen for breast cancer.
Recommended to have mammograms annually after age 40.
What screening tests are recommended for prostate cancer?
Digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are screening tests for prostate cancer.
Recommended to have tests after age 50.
What is a sign in the context of disease?
A sign is an indication of disease observed by someone who is examining the patient (objective).
Example: the doctor sees a change in the patient’s mole.
What is a symptom in the context of disease?
A symptom is an indication of disease that is observed by the patient (subjective).
Example: the patient feels pain or nausea.
