Cancer Flashcards
What is the number of new cancer cases in the US each year?
1.8 million
What percentage of men and women will develop cancer in their lifetime?
44% of men, 38% of women
What percentage of cancers will affect people over age 65 by 2030?
70% of all cancers and over 80% of cancer-related mortality
What is the single most important nonmodifiable risk factor for cancer?
Age over 50
What family history factors increase cancer risk?
Diagnosis of cancer in two or more family members, especially under age 50.
Which ethnicity has a higher incidence and mortality from cancer?
African Americans
What modifiable factors increase the risk of cancer?
Increased BMI, low vegetable diet, high animal fat, alcohol, tobacco, drug use, etc.
How does exposure to radiation and chemicals contribute to cancer risk?
Increased risk due to environmental and occupational factors.
What dietary behaviors are linked to cancer risk?
High intake of animal fats and low intake of vegetables.
What factors increase the risk of cancer recurrence?
Age, positive lymph nodes, tumor size > 2 cm, and high histopathologic grade.
What is the most common type of cancer, and where does it originate?
Carcinoma, originating in epithelial tissue.
What is a sarcoma?
A tumor of connective tissue (bone, cartilage, muscle, etc.).
What are blood-borne cancers?
Myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma (affecting blood cells and lymphatics).
What is the common method of metastasis for blood-borne cancers?
Via the blood and lymphatic system.
Which cancer types most commonly metastasize to bone, lungs, and liver?
Carcinoma and blood-borne cancers.
What are the most common clinical manifestations of cancer that a PT might see?
Integumentary, pulmonary, neurologic, skeletal, and hepatic manifestations.
What is a key early sign of malignancy related to pain?
Night pain > 7/10
What is a red flag related to weight loss for malignancy?
Unintentional weight loss > 10% in two weeks.
What proximal muscle weakness signs could indicate malignancy?
Difficulty with sit-to-stand or climbing stairs, + Trendelenberg sign.
What integumentary symptoms should raise concern for cancer?
Lesions that have changed over six weeks, not examined by a physician.