Incidence of Cancer

Question 1

What are two different ways that the importance of different types of cancer can be measured?

Answer 1

Incidence

Mortality

Question 2

What is the definition of “incidence”?

Answer 2

The number of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in a specific time period (usually one year).
This can be further developed by also including a specific population (Eg. female).

Question 3

What is the definition of “mortality”?

Answer 3

The number of deaths that are attributable to cancer in a specific time period (usually a year).
This can be further developed to include a specific population.

Question 4

In Canada, how many new cases of cancer will occur (according to 2016 Canadian Cancer Society Stats)?

Answer 4

202 400 new cases of cancer will occur.

Question 5

Are cancer diagnoses higher in men or women?

Answer 5

Slightly more men than women will be diagnosed with a new cancer.

Question 6

What percentage of deaths in Canada are caused by cancer?

Answer 6

Cancer is now the leading cause of death in Canada (overtaking cardiovascular disease) and accounts for 30% of all deaths.

Question 7

What are the most common cancers (by incidence)?

Answer 7

Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell - approx 80,000)
Most common but reported separately as very few deaths (approximately 500/year).

Question 8

What are the most common cancers in males?

Answer 8

21% prostate cancer
14.1% colorectal cancer
14% lung cancer

Question 9

What are the most common cancers in females? (and incidence rates)

Answer 9

25.8% breast canceer
14% lung cancer
11.7% colorectal cancer

Question 10

What is the estimated number of annual deaths from cancer in Canada for males?

Answer 10

estimated 41 700 deaths amongst men

Question 11

What is the estimated number of annual deaths from cancer in Canada for females?

Answer 11

estimated 37 100 deaths amongst women

Question 12

What are some of the fastest rising cancers in Canada according to a 2013 special report?

Answer 12

Liver cancer
Skin Cancer (melanoma)
HPV associated cancers

Question 13

What is the increase in incidence in liver cancer in Canada since 1970?

Answer 13

Since 1970, the incidence in men has tripled and in women it has doubled.

Question 14

What is the prognosis for liver cancer? What is the 5 year survival rate?

Answer 14

Poor prognosis with the 5 year survival rate only 20%

Question 15

What are the risk factors for liver cancer?

Answer 15

Chronic hepatitis B and C infection (many people do not know they are infected)
High alcohol intake
Obesity
Diabetes
Smoking

Question 16

What things are needed in order to decrease liver cancer incidence?

Answer 16

Increased awareness
More research into causes/treatments, etc.
Enhanced screening programmes for hep B and C
Use of vaccinations
Health promotion

Question 17

How preventable is skin cancer?

Answer 17

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is one of the most preventable types of cancer.

Question 18

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

Answer 18

Exposure to UV radiation (sun, tanning beds) - UV radiation is responsible for up to 90% of melanoma cases

Question 19

What are some ways to combat the rising incidence of skin cancer?

Answer 19

Public awareness and policies: banning use of indoor tanning beds to youth under 18 years, sun safe practices (sun screen, hats, planning outdoor activities, checking UV index)

Question 20

What cancers are associated with HPV?

Answer 20

Cervix
Anus
Penis
Vulva
Vagina
Oropharynx