Cancer

Neoplastic cells

• Benign– Localized

• Malignant– Spreads

• Move (metastasize) through– Blood or lymph systems

Death rates

• Lung = #1

• Colorectal = #2

• 1/2 Of all cancer deaths from– Lung– Colorectal– Breast– Prostate

Causes: 2/3 of cancer deaths are related to:

• Lifestyle and behavior– Diet– Sedentary lifestyle– Cigarette smoking

#1 preventable cause of death in the U.S.

Inherent risk factors

Age (strongest over all inherent risk factor)

Genetics (Strongest factor in breast cancer)

Family history

Ethnic background

Behavioral risk factors

Smoking

Diet

Alcohol

Sedentary lifestyle

UV Light exposure

Sexual behavior

E.g. for breast cancer

Stop drinking

Stop smoking

Exercise

Sexual behavior for women

Early age of first intercourse+ large number of sex partners

Cancer of the cervix, vagina, and ovary

Sexual behavior for men

Large # of female partners

But not lifetime frequency

Early age of first intercourse

Gonorrhea

= Increased risk for prostate cancer

Risk factor: Large # of sex partners

Cancer of the cervix

Treatments

SurgeryIf not yet metastasized

Chemotherapy &/or radiationIf metastasized

Also, as a back-up to surgery

Chemotherapy side effects

Fatigue

Weight loss

Hair loss

Loss of sexual interest

Psychologists involvement in cancer

PreventionBehavior and life style

Helpi8ng Patients cope with their illness