High levels of preventable chronic disease, injury and mental health problems Cancer

Lesson Aim Students learn to: Research and analyse CVD, cancer and ONE other condition by investigating: The nature of the problem Extent of the problem Risk factors and protective factors The sociocultural, socioeconomic and environmental determinants Groups at risk

What is cancer? You Tube clip… Cancer explained.

The nature of the problem Cancer is a diverse group of several hundred diseases in which some of the body’s cells become abnormal and begin to multiply out of control. The abnormal cells can invade and damage the tissue around them, and spread to other parts of the body, causing further damage and eventually death. Also referred to as ‘Neoplasms’ In Australia the most commonly diagnosed cancers are: Prostate Bowel Breast Melanoma of the skin Lung

The nature of the problem There are two quite different types of tumour. Benign tumours are not cancerous. They generally grow slowly, surrounded by a capsule that tends to control their spread. Usually, the cure is surgical removal. Benign tumours may cause some damage by robbing surrounding tissue of necessary nutrients, or interfering with the function of vital organs.

Malignant tumours are cancerous Malignant tumours are cancerous. Without the restraints of a controlled capsule, they can spread to other parts of the body, starve surrounding tissue of necessary nutrients and invade healthy tissues. These tumours cause sickness and death.

The nature of the problem Metastases are secondary or new tumours. They may develop some distance from the original malignant tumour, because the malignant tumour has the ability to invade surrounding tissues, blood vessels and lymphatic channels, spreading into either the bloodstream or lymph fluid and travelling to other parts of the body.

Extent of the problem Cancer is the second-most common cause of death in Australia—after cardiovascular diseases. Over the last 20 years there has been a steady decline in mortality rates and a significant increase in 5 year survival rates. The incidence of cancer diagnosis continues to rise.

Extent of the problem Both the incidence and mortality rates are higher in males than females. Incidence and mortality rates are higher in the 60 years and over age group. Incidence Rates (AIHW 2012) Mortality Rates (AIHW 2010)

Extent of the problem Cancer is the highest contributor to the disease burden in Australia – accounting for 16% of the overall disease burden in Australia. Cancer is ranked 6th in Australia in terms of direct health care expenditure

Risk Factors and Protective Factors Non-modifiable Family history (for some cancers) Age – over 60 Gender – males Modifiable Smoking High fat diet Obesity Sun exposure Self examination and screening programs Eating a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables. Maintaining a healthy weight Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke Avoiding exposure to hazardous materials Limiting sun exposure by wearing hat, sunscreen, protective clothing

Determinants Sociocultural Socioeconomic Environmental People with a family history Ethnicity – ATSI have a higher incidence of lung and cervical cancer, as they tend to have higher smoking rates Socioeconomic Low socioeconomic status and unemployment increases risk due to limited health choices People with low education rates are more a risk due to less knowledge about health choices and how the access health services People in occupations involving exposure to carcinogens People working outdoors Environmental People living in rural and remote areas are more at risk due to less access to health information, health services and technology

Groups at risk Males People aged over 60 years ATSI Low socioeconomic groups Tobacco smokers (lung cancer) People exposed to occupational or environmental hazards (lung cancer) People with fair skin (skin cancer)

Practise Question HSC Question 2011: Breast cancer and lung cancer are two common cancers in Australia. What are the determinants of these cancers and why do they put some groups more at risk than the general population? (7 Marks)

HSC Question 2011