Interpreting data on cancer Flashcards
What is a risk factor?
Things that increase a person’s chance of getting cancer
What are the two types of risk factor?
Genetic
Environmental
What are genetic risk factors?
Some cancers are linked to specific inherited alleles which if inherited would increase your chance of getting cancer
What are environmental risk factors?
Exposure to radiation
Lifestyle choices eg. smoking, increased alcohol consumption and a high-fat diet
What points can be made about data on cancer?
Correlation doesn’t always mean causation
Lots of factors which would affect chances
What preventative measures can be used for cancer?
If a specific cancer-causing mutation is known, individuals can be screened for that mutation and preventative measures can be taken, eg. a woman which a high risk of breast cancer may choose to have a mastectomy
How are cancers treated and cured?
Different drugs are given for different types of cancers
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Gene therapy may also be used to treat cancer
