L6: Cancer Flashcards
What is Cancer?
Cancer is the uncontrollable cell devision and growth of cell(s) caused by errors in cell devision. This is known as Neoplasia.
What is the difference between meligment and benign
Meligment tumours are composed of cancerous cells which have rapid growth utilising energy and oxygen causing surrounding tissue to die. Benign tumours are composed of healthy cells and usually has no impact on surrounding cells.
What are carcinogens?
Carcinogens are chemicals or radiation which initiates the development of cancer. There is often a delay between exposure and cancer development which can be as long as several decades.
How do carcinogens cause cancer?
Ionisation, chemical damage leads to mutations which cause changes in cell devision and lead to cell dysfunction.
Describe the key physiological differences between cancer and healthy cells.
Cancer cells are immature and unspecialised cells allowing them to adhere to different tissues in different locations.
They have an oversized nuclei and are irregularly shaped. They have relatively little cytoplasm and have disorganised arrangement with other surrounding cells.
What is Metastasis?
The transport of cancer cells from a primary tumour which produces a secondary tumour in a different location. Transport occurs via the blood or lymphatic system.
What are the classification stages of cancer used in diagnosis?
Stage 1: Localised and small
stage 2: Larger but remains localised
Stage 3: Begun to invade nearby tissues
Stage 4: Spread to other parts of body (Metastasis)
What are the different types of cancers?
Carcinoma: Skin or tissues that surround internal organs and include breast and lung cancer.
Sarcoma: Connective or supportive tissues and include bone, cartilage, fat, muscle and blood vessels
Central nervous system cancers: Spinal chord and brain
Leukemia: Bone marrow & blood cancers
Lymphoma & Myeloma: Immune system cancers.
What is the global incidence of cancer world wide (WHO, 2018)?
18 million
What are the two most common cancers? Include percentages
Lung (11.6%) and Breast (11.6%)
What cancer has the largest mortality rate, include percentage
Lung with 18.4% mortality.
What proportion of the UK population cancer diagnosis are from over 75 year olds?
36%
Why does the UK have Lower stomach cancer rates?
UK have some of the strictest food regulations meaning carcinogenic chemicals are more likely to be restricted from an individuals diet.
How has cancer treatment changed over the years.
Despite an increase in cancer incidence, cancer mortality has decreased in recent years due to better treatments.
50% survival chance for 10 years or more.
> Increased screening to detect cancers at earlier stages.
Why are cancer incidences increasing?
Greater ageing population with higher cancer risk seen in elderly (80+).
What genes have been associated with increased predisposition to breast cancer?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
What percentage of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors are attributable to cancer development?
Non-modifiable risk factors (62%) and Modifiable risk factors (38%)
What are the non-modifiable risk factors of developing cancer?
Genes that give genetic predisposition: BRCA1 and BRCA2
Family history
Age
What are the modifiable risk factors of developing cancer?
Geographical location:
- Country: Radiations, toxins, solutions
- Occupation: Exposure to carcinogens (asbestos, sut, tar)
- Infections
Lifestyle risk factors:
- Smoking
- Weight
- Diet
- Physical Inactivity
What virus increases the risk of cervical cancer in women?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
What is the number 1 modifiable risk factor for cancer?
Smoking
What percentage of cancer is attributable to smoking?
19%
How does weight effect cancer risk? what are the relative risks of breast cancer in both obese and overweight individuals.
Increase weight is associated with increase risk of cancer in 7 different cancers. breast cancer has a 25% increase risk in obese individuals compared to overweight with 12%
What is the highest cancer risk in people who are overweight/obese?
Oesophagus cancer with a 140% increase in obese and a 55% increase in overweight individuals.
