CANCER The Nature of Cancer Types of Cancer Extent and Trend of Cancer Risk Factors Sociocultural, socioeconmic and environmental determinants High Risk Groups

The Nature of Cancer A group of diseases that result when the process of cell division becomes uncontrolled. Cells multiply & form tumours. Tumours can form and remain localised with no threat of spreading = benign tumours. Tumours with potential to spread uncontrollably throughout normal cells and affect their functioning = malignant tumours. Metastasis = cancer cells breaking off and traveling through body and causing new cancers to grow.

Types of Cancers Depending on the location depends on its classification. Carcinoma – cancer of epithelial cells eg. Skin, mouth, throat, breasts and lungs. Sarcoma – cancer of bone, muscle or connective tissue. Leukaemia – cancer of the blood-forming organs. Lymphoma – cancer of the infection-fighting organs.

Extent and Trends of Cancer- Incidence 2 nd most common cause of death in Aus. Approx. 28% of all deaths. Highest incidence and mortality in the 65 years and over age group. 45.5% of deaths. Trend = some cancers have declined while others have increased. Taking all cancers into consideration = increase in incidence in last 20 years.

Extent and Trends of Cancer Reasons for this increase include: Exposure to risk factors eg. UV rays. Improvements in detection techniques. Greater use of personal and medical detection techniques eg. Self examination of breasts and skin. People less likely to die from other causes.

Extent and Trends of Cancer Cancer incidence has increased BUT mortality rates have decreased. Rates for males have increased more rapidly compared to females.

Extent and Trends of Cancer Most common cancers in males Prostate Colorectal (bowel) Lung Melanoma Most common leading to death = lung

Extent and Trends of Cancer Cancers on the increase in males Melanoma Liver Prostate

Extent and Trends of Cancer Cancers decreasing in males Lung (due to smoking rates decreasing) Stomach (better diet & improved food preservation) Bowel (better diet & improved food preservation)

Extent and Trends of Cancer Most common cancers in females Breast Colorectal Melanoma Lung (increased in women due to the increased rate of smoking since the 1940’s).

Extent and Trends of Cancer Cancers on decrease in females Colorectal Stomach Cervical Downward trends in breast & cervical cancer deaths = improved treatments and screening.

Extent and Trends of Cancer - Mortality Most common cancers leading to death include: Breast Lung Melanoma Colorectal Prostate

Extent and Trends of Cancer - Mortality Men have a higher risk of being diagnosed and dying of cancer due to food (less nutritious), smoking (higher smoking rates), drinking habits (drink more) and are exposed to higher risk environments. Due to an ageing population the cancer rates are going to rise.

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Extent and Trends of Cancer – Lung Cancer Leading cause of cancer death. Female death rate increasing but still lower then men. Smokers 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. Risk increases with the amount and time spent smoking. Children and adolescents are at risk as the lung tissue is easily damaged. 10% of all cases occur in non-smokers caused by environmental factors.

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Extent and Trends of Cancer – Breast Cancer Most common cancer to cause death in women. Affects 1 in 15 women. The risk an incidence increases with age. If cancer is caught early it is easier to treat and are more likely to survive. Breast self examination and mammographic screening are vital to reduce mortality rates.

Media coverage of breast cancer diagnosis of Kylie Minogue has raised awareness of Breast Cancer

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Extent and Trends of Cancer – Skin Cancer Most common of all skin diseases and skin cancer rates are the highest in the world. Incidence has quadrupled in last 20 years due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Melanoma is most common in males and females aged years. Condition could have been avoided by utilising sun protection strategies.

Risk Factors Risk factors vary according to type of cancer.

Risk Factors – Lung Cancer Unmodifiable - gender, age and family history. Modifiable - smoking, exposure to carcinogenic chemicals (asbestos, lead). - Smokers = 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer.

Risk Factors – Skin Cancer Major cause = exposure to UV rays. Exposure to sunlight in childhood = increased risk later in life. Other risks include fair skin, large number of moles, blue eyes, fair or red hair. These are hereditary.

Risk Factors – Breast Cancer Gender Family history increases risk. Lifestyle factors = obesity, late maternal age at the time of the first full-term pregnancy, high fat diet. Others include: early onset menstruation, late menopause, benign breast disease.

Protective Factors – Lung Cancer Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and hazardous materials such as asbestos

Protective Factors – Breast Cancer Diet low in fat and consumes high amounts of fruits and vegetables. Practice self examination Regular mammograms if over 50

Protective Factors – Skin Cancer Avoid sunlight Wear hat, sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses.

Sociocultural, socioeconomic and environmental determinants – Lung Cancer Decreasing in males = lower smoking rates. Attributed to education, effective health promotion strategies & change in society’s views. Improved workplace safety codes & equipment = less exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. Low socio-economic = more likely to be employed in jobs that involve exposure to dangerous materials.

Sociocultural, socioeconomic and environmental determinants – Lung Cancer Increased rates in females. Smoking in young females remains high. WHY? Pursuing more male traditional occupations. These are high powered jobs = more stress. Can also present an image of control. High profile women smoke and the link between weight control & smoking.

Sociocultural, socioeconomic and environmental determinants – Skin Cancer Incidence increasing = improved education in detection. Common, less harmful cancers being recorded and treated more frequently. Media can be guilty of promoting healthy ‘tanned’ complexions.

Sociocultural, socioeconomic and environmental determinants – Breast Cancer Increased incidence linked to changes in family structure. Marriage is later, therefore first pregnancy is later. Delay is a response to greater financial demands, desire for females to focus on a career.

Sociocultural Determinants People with family history of cancer are more at risk. ATSI have higher incidence of lung and cervical cancer due to higher rates of smoking and less access to health services Families who practice health promoting behaviours are less at risk of cancer

Socioeconomic Determinants Low SES or unemployed have higher death rates as income limits health choices. Occupations with exposure to carcinogens are most at risk of lung cancer. People working outdoors are more at risk of getting skin cancer. People with poor education make poor health choices and know less about how to access and use health services

Environmental Determinants People living in rural and remote areas are more at risk due to less access to health info, health services eg. pap smears and technology eg. new prostate blood test.

High Risk Groups Socio-economically disadvantaged Smokers High fat, low fibre diets Family history Fair skinned people People exposed to the sun for long periods Females who have never given birth