Chapter 10: Behavioral Factors In Cancer

Cigarette smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States because it is directly linked to various serious health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases. Smoking tobacco exposes the body to harmful chemicals and toxins, leading to the development of these life-threatening illnesses. By quitting smoking or never starting in the first place, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of premature death and improve their overall health.

All of these cancer treatments have serious and painful side effects. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, but it can also damage healthy cells and tissues nearby. Surgery involves removing the tumor or affected organs, which can cause pain, infection, and other complications. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells, leading to nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and other side effects. Therefore, all three treatments can cause serious and painful side effects.

The given information states that the person does not smoke or drink alcohol, eats a high-fiber diet, and avoids overexposure to the sun. These are all factors that are known to decrease the risk of getting cancer. Therefore, it can be inferred that the person's risk of getting cancer will be decreased.

African Americans have the strongest risk for cancer deaths compared to the other ethnic groups mentioned. This can be attributed to various factors such as disparities in access to healthcare, lower socioeconomic status, and higher prevalence of certain risk factors like obesity and smoking within this population. Additionally, genetic factors may also contribute to the higher cancer mortality rates among African Americans.

Cervical cancer is related to all of these factors because it is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual activity. The sexual behavior of women, including the number of sexual partners and engaging in unprotected sex, increases the risk of HPV infection. Additionally, the reproductive history of women, such as early age at first intercourse, multiple pregnancies, and long-term use of oral contraceptives, can also contribute to the development of cervical cancer. Finally, the sexual behavior of women's sex partners, particularly if they have a history of HPV infection, can also increase the risk.

The correct answer is a combination of all the above. This is because cancer deaths in the US are often caused by multiple factors, including diet, sedentary lifestyle, and cigarette smoking. These factors can interact and increase the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, it is important to address all of these factors in order to reduce the number of cancer deaths.

Malignant tumors are characterized by the ability of their cells to invade and spread into surrounding tissues. This invasion can lead to the destruction and damage of nearby organs and structures. Benign tumors, on the other hand, do not have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and are usually localized to one area. Therefore, the main difference between benign and malignant tumors lies in the invasive nature of malignant cells.

Women whose mothers developed breast cancer before age 40 are about 2X more likely to develop breast cancer. This means that their risk of developing breast cancer is twice as high compared to women whose mothers did not have cancer. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the development of breast cancer, as having a close family member with the disease increases the risk. However, it is important to note that this does not guarantee that these women will definitely develop breast cancer, as there are other factors that can influence individual risk.

Being overweight is positively related to colon and rectal cancer. This means that there is evidence suggesting that individuals who are overweight have a higher risk of developing these types of cancer. This could be due to various factors, such as increased inflammation, hormonal changes, and insulin resistance, which are commonly associated with being overweight. It is important for individuals who are overweight to be aware of this increased risk and take steps to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

Both better treatment procedures and changes in lifestyle likely contributed to the recent drop in cancer death rates in the US. Improved treatment procedures, such as advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapies, have increased survival rates for many types of cancer. Additionally, changes in lifestyle, such as a decrease in smoking rates and increased awareness of the importance of regular screenings, have also played a role in reducing cancer deaths. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that both factors have contributed to the drop in cancer death rates.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that is most commonly seen in individuals who are infected with HIV. HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to developing certain types of cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma. This cancer is caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), which is more likely to cause cancer in individuals with a weakened immune system. Therefore, HIV infection is the primary cause of Kaposi's sarcoma in the US.

The correct answer is the methods of preparation, such as grilling and smoking, provide risks. Grilling and smoking red meat can lead to the formation of harmful chemicals such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. HCAs are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures, while PAHs are produced when fat and juices from the meat drip onto the hot coals or grill surface, causing flames and smoke. Therefore, the methods of preparation can contribute to the increased cancer risk associated with consuming red meat.

The given answer states that the current evidence for a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer is convincing. This is supported by studies that have shown that higher consumption of alcohol is associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, the available research provides strong evidence to support the claim that alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer.

Skin cancer has the highest incidence in the US, meaning it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. However, it does not have the highest mortality rate. This suggests that while many people are diagnosed with skin cancer, it is often successfully treated and does not result in death as frequently as other types of cancer.

The correct answer is lung because lung cancer has the highest death rates among women. This is due to various factors such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants. Lung cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat, leading to higher mortality rates. Additionally, women who smoke are more susceptible to developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers.

Testicular cancer varies from the age-related risk of other cancers, striking young men more often than older ones. This means that the incidence of testicular cancer is higher in younger men compared to older men, unlike most other types of cancer where the risk increases with age. This is an important distinction to note when considering the demographics and risk factors for testicular cancer.

Alcohol has a synergistic effect with smoking, meaning that the combination of alcohol and smoking together increases the risk of cancer more than either one alone. This suggests that the harmful effects of alcohol and smoking on the body are amplified when they are used together, potentially leading to a higher risk of developing cancer.

The BRCA gene is related to breast cancer because women with a mutated form of this gene are vulnerable to breast cancer. This means that having a mutation in the BRCA gene increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It is important to note that not all women with the BRCA gene mutation will develop breast cancer, but their vulnerability to the disease is significantly higher compared to women without the mutation.

Biological factors refer to genetic predispositions, inherited traits, and biological processes that may increase the risk of developing cancer. While biological factors can contribute to differences in cancer rates among different ethnicities, the question asks for the factor LEAST likely to explain these differences. Therefore, the correct answer is biological, as it implies that biological factors are less influential compared to other factors such as access to medical care and adherence to health recommendations.

The correct answer is lung cancer. This is because lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat effectively. Risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants. Early detection through screenings and avoiding tobacco smoke can help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

Long-time employment in a nuclear power plant increases cancer death rates for men. This suggests that prolonged exposure to radiation in a nuclear power plant environment leads to an increased risk of cancer and ultimately, higher mortality rates for male workers. The answer implies that the risk of cancer is not just slightly increased, but significantly elevated in this specific occupational setting.

Women who have had children early in life have a decreased risk for breast cancer. This may be due to the fact that pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a protective effect on breast tissue. During pregnancy, breast cells undergo changes that make them less susceptible to cancer development. Additionally, breastfeeding helps to further reduce the risk of breast cancer by causing hormonal changes and reducing the number of menstrual cycles a woman has over her lifetime. Therefore, women who have had children early in life are less likely to develop breast cancer compared to those with later pregnancies or no children.

Leo is least likely to experience high levels of stress if his wife provides social support, but Leo does not notice her efforts. This is because social support can help individuals cope with stress and reduce its negative effects. However, if Leo is unaware of his wife's efforts, he may not feel the pressure to reciprocate or feel overwhelmed by her concern, which could contribute to lower stress levels.

Physical activity has been shown to have a protective effect against colon cancer. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer by promoting healthy bowel movements, reducing inflammation in the colon, and improving the immune system's ability to fight off cancer cells. Additionally, physical activity can help to maintain a healthy body weight, which is also associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. Therefore, engaging in regular physical activity can be beneficial in reducing the risk of colon cancer.

The correct answer is "none of these." The explanation for this is that the question asks which of these sites continue to have rising cancer deaths, but none of the given options specify that they have increasing cancer deaths. Therefore, the correct answer is that none of these sites have rising cancer deaths.