Disease Dilemma's - Case Study - Cancer in UK - Non-communicable disease Flashcards
What has been the change in cancer in the UK since the 1970s
Cancer rates risen. Since 1970s men = 23% rise in cancer & woman = 43% rise
What has been one of the cultural/economic factors causing an increase in skin cancer (2)
Desire for tanned look (i.e. Sunbathing/ sun beds).
- Increase in disposable income = more trips abroad (i.e. warm destinations - the Mediterranean)
Socio economic factors causing increase in cancer in the UK (3)
1) Increase in disposable income = more money spent on processed food (I.e. Dairy, fast food, ready meals).
2) More wealth = higher alcohol and smoking rates
3) Increase in wealth = money for cars = more sedentary lifestyle (less exercise)
What is the cost of cancer to the UK economy?
£15 billion a year
In what way does cancer cost the UK economy? (4)
1) Abseenteeism (patients take time off work = not contributing to GDP)
2) NHS funding needed to treat patients.
3) Early deaths = not contributing to GDP for longer.
4) Unpaid care = relatives caring for patients = taking time off work
What is the average cost per month that cancer patients incur by having cancer?
£570 per month
What is the link between deprivation and cancer? (2)
1). More deprived areas in U.K have higher numbers of cancer cases.
2) Former industrial areas have high deprivation rates and higher cancer levels (i.e. NE/NW England and South Wales)
What specific ways does cancer have an economic impact on individual cancer sufferers? (4)
1) Having to hire help at home (i.e. too sick too clean/feed themselves).
2)Extra travel costs to appointments.
3) Extra heating for home (i.e. might feel cold more).
4). Spending more on prescription medicines
What factors linked to deprivation cause higher cancer rates & deaths? (4)
1) Deprived areas = higher smoking & obesity rates.
2). Less likely to get screened = cancers caught late.
3). Less time/resources for physical activity
4). Workers have more ‘barriers’. - i.e. harder to get time off for appointments, can’t afford prescriptions
UK target for cancer in terms of deaths prevented?
To save 5000 lives a year
Direct strategies for meeting UK cancer target? (4)
Direct strategies are often medical treatments, detection & research. AC countries can afford advanced medical treatements.
1) Better detection - i.e. endoscopy.
2). Precise treatments - i.e. radiotheraphy.
3) Mass screenings at national level - bowel, cervical & breast are done.
4) Cancer research organisations research new treatments & drugs
Criticisms/flaws in direct strategies for treating cancer in UK? (2)
1) U.K has good healthcare system but still waiting times for diagnosis & treatments which can vary spatially in the country (i.e. NHS postcode lottery - areas in N often have longer waiting times).
2). Cancer research often done by charities which rely on donations
Indirect strategies for meeting UK cancer target?
Indirect strategies often involve education to get people to change lifestyle choices or spot symptoms (i.e. Change4Life = to reduce obesity & improve diets, Be Clear on Cancer = spot symptoms of common cancers)
Criticisms/flaws in indirect strategies for treating cancer in UK?
1) People can ignore education campaigns - i.e. Change4Life has slowed but not reversed the obesity rate (23% in 2009 to 28% in 2019)
How much has skin cancer risen in UK recently?
Significantly higher than 30 years ago and currently 3% rise year on year (i.e. every year goes up 3%)
Direct strategies for tackling skin cancer in the UK?
Surgery (i.e biopsy) to remove malignant melanomas or chemotherapy
Indirect strategies for tackling skin cancer in the UK? (4)
1) Government laws to restrict who can use sun beds. - i.e. no one under 18.
2). Govt. issued standards for tanning shops. - i.e. staff training required & supervision mandatory
3) Public health campaigns giving advice on sunscreen & self examination for skin cancer.
4) Met Office warnings during summer when UV high & safe levels of exposure
