CANCER Epidemiology Updated January 2011 Source: Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths retrieved Jan 25 th 2012 from Ministry of Health. May 2011 Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths

Definition of Cancer Large group of diseases Uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells Interrupts normal cell functioning Neoplasm – A new growth of tissue that serves no physiological function

Definitions Benign – harmless, non-cancerous Malignant - cancerous Biopsy – microscopic examination Metastasis – process by which cancer spreads from one area to another Mutant cells - cells that differ in form, quality, or function from normal cells Carcinogens – cancer causing agents

Causes Hereditary risk Acquired risk (environmental) Environmental – Lifestyle More than 3/4s of cancers occur in people aged 55 yrs and over Lifetime risk –probability over time Relative risk –relationship between risk factors and a particular cancer Tobacco Use

Diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, over consumption of alcohol, tobacco use, stress Infectious agents, certain medical treatments, excessive sun exposure, exposure to certain chemicals Viruses Hormones Radiation

Genetic Risks About 5% of cancers thought to be genetic Oncogenes – cancer causing genes Breast, stomach, colon, prostate, uterus, ovaries & lungs appear to run in families Some blood cancers also have a familial link Familial however does not mean genetic

Occupational & Environmental Risks Asbestos Mining inhalation of certain fibres Chemicals, certain dyes, herbicides, pesticides Ionizing radiation – x-rays, UV Non IR - radio waves, cell phones, microwaves computer screens, TVs etc etc Chemicals in food – sodium nitrate

Infectious Diseases Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and liver cancer HPV – Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer

Types of Cancers Carcinomas – epithelial tissues covering body surfaces and lining most body cavities are the most common sites for cancers. They affect the outer layer of skin and mouth as well as mucous membranes Spread through the blood & lymphatic systems Form solid tumours

Contd Sarcomas – occur in the middle layer of tissues - bones, muscles and general connective tissue Spread primarily via the blood in the early stages of disease Less common but more virulent than carcinomas Form solid tumours

Contd Lymphomas – develop in the lymphatic system, and spread this way Also form solid tumours Leukaemias Cancers of the blood forming regions of the body, particularly bone marrow and spleen Non-solid tumours Characterised by an abnormal increase in WBC

Detecting Cancer Screening Programmes Earlier diagnosis the better the prospect X-Rays Ultrasound Endoscopy MRI CT Lab Tests

Cancer Treatments Surgery Radiotherapy Chemotherapy Alternative treatment options

- In New Zealand Cancer remained the leading cause of death in NZ, for both males & females accounting for 29% of deaths Main causes of cancer deaths for males -Lung -Colorectal -Prostate Main causes of cancer deaths for females -Lung -Breast -Colorectal

Leading Cause of Death Lung cancer accounted for the most deaths in 2008, 19% of all cancer deaths, followed by colorectal then prostate & breast Main causes of cancer deaths for males -Lung (19.0%) -Colorectal -prostate Main causes of cancer deaths for females -Lung (19%) -Breast -Colorectal

Other facts -NZ Cancer Registry set up in Cancer Registry Act Cancer Registry Regulations Cancer Control Strategy Since 2008 MoH has led a systematic & coordinated approach through a national programme involving DHBs -Bowel cancer projected to increase by 15% for males and 19% for females in 2016

Continued New Zealand’s mortality rate due to cancer is high by international standards NZ – 3 rd highest bowel cancer death rate in OECD for women and 6 th for men

References Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths retrieved Jan 25 th 2012 from Ministry of Health. May 2011 Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths http:// Donatelle, R. J. (2011) Health: The basics.(Green ed.) San Francisco: Pearson Education