THE CANCER PROBLEM : Etiology and Epidemiology

“gives the students an appreciation of the magnitude of cancer’s impact in the United States and worldwide”

etiology – study of the cause of disease

epidiemiology – is the study of disease incidence

oncology – specialty of cancer study and management

• Research and clinical care of cancer patients
• Oncologists :
• MD’s who specialize in oncology
• Clinical oncologsts :
  • Diagnose and treat cancer

Most common cancers in the United States : most common is Lung and bronchus!!

Estimated new cases each year

Estimated deaths each year

Carcinogenesis - The generation of cancer from normal cells

Carcinogens - Substances that increase the risk of neoplasms ( ablnormal growth of tissue)

•  Genotoxic carcinogens – effect DNA directly

•  Nongenotoxic carcinogens – induce neoplasms by other mechanisms

Common carcinogens :

•  Cigarette smoke

•  Absbestos

•  Lead

•  DDT – pesticides

•  Radiation

•  UV rays

•  Alcohol (maybe)

Many chemicals …