Cancer epidemiology Flashcards
Highest global causes of death =?
Ischaemic heart disease and stroke = the highest global causes of death (not cancer).
o I.E. Melanoma is most common in AUS/NZ and colorectal cancer is most common in Japan.
How have death rates from CVS diseases and cancer changed over the years (US)
- Death rates from CVS disease have dropped over the years.
- Death rates from cancer have remained stable/increased-slightly over the years.
Describe the cancer incidence in developed vs undeveloped countries
Developed countries have a greater incidence of cancer than undeveloped countries.
State the most common cancers in males and females (US)
Males – prostate and lung cancers are the most common cancers.
Females – breast and cervix uteri cancers are the most common cancers.
Use examples to show that incidence of different cancers can show a strong geographical variation
Melanoma is most common in AUS/NZ and colorectal cancer is most common in Japan.
Migrant Studies are used to study what? Give two examples
Cancer incidence
e.g. Melanoma in migrants to Australia from UK/western Europe (risk increases with migration); Stomach cancer incidence in Hawaii Japanese migrants (risk decreased on migration)
What does a rapid change in cancer risk following migration imply?
A slow change in cancer risk suggests what?
No change/persistence of rates between generations suggests what as being important in determining risk?
- A rapid change in risk following migration implies that lifestyle/environment factors act late in carcinogenesis.
- A slow change suggests that exposures early in life are the most relevant
- Persistence of rates between generations suggests genetic susceptibility is important in determining risk
Describe the incidence rates for common cancers in high-income and low-income countries. Effected by what?
Incidence is increasing for common cancers in both high-income (now with plateauing and even decreases) and low-income countries – effects of earlier diagnosis, screening, changes in risk factors?
How does cancer mortality rates differ in high-income vs low-income countries?
Mortality is decreasing in most high-income countries, not in low income countries.
Why is the total burden due to cancer increasing mainly?
Total burden is increasing because of demographic changes (ageing populations, increasing size), and Westernization of lifestyles (unhealthy lifestyle)
Smoking accounts for what percentage of cancer deaths?
Associated with increased risk of how many cancer types?
Percentage of lung cancer deaths in males and females caused by smoking?
Smoking – accounts for >30% of cancer deaths, associated with increased risk for at least 15 cancer types, causes 90% male lung cancer deaths + 80% female lung cancer deaths
Colorectal cancer chance increased with what kind of diet?
low fibrous diet.
Alcohol as a risk factor for cancer.
- Synergistic with tobacco
- mechanism is poorly understood
- associated with liver, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and oesophageal cancer.
- has a preventative effect for CHD.
What is Anthropometry?
World cancer research fund guidelines for dietary prevention - list the dietary guidelines for cancer prevention.
Anthropometry – study of measurements and proportions of the human body.
World cancer research fund guidelines for dietary prevention:
- Be lean without being underweight.
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Avoid sugary drinks.
- Eat a variety of fruit/veg.
- Limit consumption of red meat (<500g/week) and avoid processed meat.
- Limit alcoholic drinks.
- Limit consumption of salty foods.
What correlates with breast cancer risk?
Post-menopausal serum sex steroids increases with breast cancer risk.
