Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Flashcards covering risk factors, types, prevention, and genetic markers related to cancer.

List 10 or more risk factors for cancer

Smoking, Diet, Lifestyle, UV exposure , Obesity, Family history, Age, Genetics, Mutations, Immune system

Three main types of skin cancer

Basal, the most common type, grows slowly, rarely metastasizing. Squamous second most common, more invasive than basal and grows faster, cumulative UV exposure. Melanoma most serious, high risk of metastasis, environmental and genetic causes, begins in melanocytes.

ABCDE of melanoma

A → asymmetry (one half is unlike the other) B → border ( spot has irregular poorly defined border) C → color ( varying colors, shades of tan, brown, white, or red) D → diameter (melanomas > 6mm or size of pencil eraser) E → evolving ( change in shape, size, or color)

Cancers associated with Tobacco Use

Colorectal, lung, prostate, pancreatic

Cancers associated with UV exposure

Skin

Cancers associated with Ionizing radiation

Skin, breast, leukemia, thyroid, lung

Cancers associated with Alcohol

Colorectal, lung, prostate, pancreatic

Cancers associated with High fat diet

Colorectal, prostate, pancreatic

Cancers associated with Viruses (HPV and hepatitis)

Cervical

Cancers associated with Hereditary factors

Prostate, colorectal, breast, melanoma pancreatic

Differences between UVA and UVB radiation

UVA = aging, UVB = burning

UVA vs UVB

UVA has the least energy and causes DNA damage, while UVB has more energy causes sunburns and most cancers

UV index numbers of 2, 6, and 9

2 indicates low amounts of radiation, and lower levels of SPF are recommended. 6 is more increased and SPF 30 plus is recommended. 9 is very high, SPF 30 plus and limit exposure

5 methods of UV protection/skin cancer prevention

Skin checks; Avoid exposure; Use SPF 30 plus daily; Wear hats and sunscreen, as well as protective clothing; Visit the doctor if something is unusual

Protective value of SPF 15 vs 100

SPF = sun protection factor. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 blocks around 99%

Rules for sunscreen application

Apply generously over all exposed skin (one ounce for whole body); Wait 15 minutes after application before sun exposure; Reapply every 2 hours; SPF 30 or higher; Reapply immediately after swimming or sweating

Red flag factors for familial breast cancer

2 first degree relatives with breast cancer or if one as diagnosed at 50 or younger; 3 or more first or second degree relatives regardless of age; Any first degree relative with cancer diagnosed in both breasts; Any first or second degree relative diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancer; Breast cancer in male relative

How BRCA 1 and 2 genes are related to familial breast cancer

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer you often will have a mutated BRCA gene. This mutation can be inherited and passed down which often causes the increased risk of cancer in offspring and relatives.

What is a gene marker?

A genetic marker is a short sequence of DNA associated with a particular gene or trait with a known location on a chromosome. Helps link an inherited disease with a responsible gene

What are STRs?

STR on chromosome 13 next to known BRCA2 mutation can be used as a genetic marker as they probably were inherited together.

How do STRs relate to fragment length?

STRs are related to fragment length as they cause a variation in the length of DNA fragments, the number of repeated units directly contributes to the total length of the DNA fragment containing it.

Screening for markers associated with gene mutations

Marker analysis is a technique where gene mutation is analyzed using a genetic marker instead of directly analyzing the gene itself. They identify specific DNA markers, short tandem repeats (STRs), that are linked to a gene or region of interest. These markers are then used to track the inheritance of the gene or region in individuals or families, helping to pinpoint the location of a mutation.

What it means to have a positive test for BRCA mutation compared to a negative test

A positive test shows that there is a change or mutation on their BRCA gene. A negative test shows that their gene is not mutated and likely won't increase their risk of cancer.

4 preventive measures that may be taken by patients with BRCA mutations

Screening/monitoring; Nutrition; Physical activity; Hormonal/anti estrogen therapy; Prophylactic surgery