Cancer Prevention

What is a carcinogen?

any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes the formation of cancer

• capable of contributing to cancer growth

What is the best way to reduce cancer mortality?

Reduce the incidence of cancer

What are some ways to reduce the incidence of cancer

national policies and programs to raise awareness

reduce exposure to cancer risk factors

What are two types of carcinogens?

Environmental and workplace

what lifestyle changes can be used to decrease cancer risk

active lifestyle > sedentary lifestyle

What diet can be used to decrease cancer risk?

A diet high in vegetables and fruits

What sort of medical interventions can be used to prevent cancer

vaccines and biologicals

prophylactic surgery

Detection methods for cancers

screening

procedures fo precancerous conditions

Examples of environmental harmful substances

air pollution, arsenic (soil), abestos, formaldehyde, radon, pesticides, BPA, non-stick cookware

What are the ABCDEs of melanoma?

A = asymmetry

B= border

C = color

D = diameter

E = evolving

What might be some signs of melanoma

a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in old growth, any patch of skin that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches, or becomes red and bumpy

Can tanning beds cause skin cancer?

yes, tanning beds can cause all three types of skin cancer

exposure to UV radiation also can cause cataracts and ocular melanoma

UVA

Long-wave UV radiation that has ability to penetrate the dermis

• makes up 95% of UV radiation reaching earth, and the predominant UV in tanning beds

• causes wrinkles due to skin penetration

  • cancer risk

UVB

Short Wave UV radiaiton that penetrates the dermis

• responsible for skin reddening and sunburns

• tanning equipment can emit as much as 10x more UVB radiation, drastically increasing cancer risk