Cancers Common in Women Flashcards
Cancer
Overly rapid and uncontrolled multiplication and spread of abnormal cells. It is a group of multiple diseases (types of cancers) that vary in incidence, mortality rates, risk factors, causes, treatments, etc.
Etiology
Cause
Lung Cancer
The most deadly cancer in women.
Progress in Cancer Research
NOT consistent among race/ethnicity/cultural groups
Second-Hand Smoke
The inhalation of toxic chemical compounds and carcinogens.
HPV
Human Papillomavirus: a virus that causes cervical cancer (vaccine available for all sexes)
BRCA 1 / BRCA 2
Genes that significantly increase the likelihood of a person developing a certain type of breast cancer
Synergistic Effect
When usng the combination of substances (e.g. alcohol and cigarettes) has a worse effect than using one or the other only.
Behavioral Factors
Factors that increase or decrease risk, (eating habits, exercise, substance use), over half of all cancer deaths could be avoided if people changed their behaviors.
Hereditary Cancer Marker
Cluster of family members with cancer at the same site, espeically if diagnosed at a young age and are close family members (e.g. mother, sister).
Post Traumatic Growth
Benefit finding in people diagnosed with cancer
Ex). I appreciate my relationships more, I feel more confident, I appreciate nature)
Psychosocial Factors
Body’s response to cancer cells and the activation of cancer-killing cells, evidence that stress and low social support does interfere with this immune reaction.
Hormone Theory in Breast Cancer Context
Theory that breast cancer risk is determined by the total number of ovulatory cycles a woman has in her life.
If this is true, then people who start menstruating early in life have a higher risk of breast cancer. Women who have few or no children (no hiatus) have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Heritability of Cancer
Depends on the type of cancer
Cancer Etiology and Age
Risk of developing cancer increases as you age
