Grace and Alanah. National Health Priority Areas. Cancer

What is Cancer? Cancer is a range of disease categorised by uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth. Cancer cells can spread to other body parts causing further damage. Cells behave abnormally and may spread out of control and invade and damage tissue around them, The following eight cancer have been highlighted as priority cancers because they account for more then 50% of all cancer deaths Lung cancer Melanoma Non Melanocytic skin cancer Colorectal cancer Prostate cancer Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Cervical cancer Breast caner.

Why was Cancer chosen and its Burden. It was selected as a National health priority area to help reduce the incidences of mortality from cancer and the wider impact it has on the Australian community. Cancer is the leading cause of Total burden in Australia due to the mortality it rate is cause which in 2005 was 30% of all deaths in Australia 1 in 4 woman effected by cancer at some stage in their life 1 in 3 men are effected by at some stage in their life

Biological Risk Factors. Sex- Individuals are at greater risk of developing some cancers due to their sex. For example women are more prone to breast cancer, compared to males who have a much lower risk. Genetics- A family history is also linked to a predisposition to some cancers.

Behavioural risk factors. Diet- Foods that a individual may consume can be linked to the onset of cancer. For example a consumption of a high fat diet has been linked to colorectal and breast cancer. Tobacco cancer- tobacco smoking has been identified as a primary cause for some cancers, such a lung cancers. Alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity and exposure to the sun can all increase the risk of the onset of some cancers, eg Skin cancer.

Social Risk Factors Lack access to preventable health care- such as screening and regular check ups, may increase a persons chance of a late diagnoses, leading to a more server cancer.

Health Promotion Strategies QuitSun-Smart Quit is a strategies put in place to help and support those who are heavy tobacco smokers. The aim is to make them aware of the health consequences that are related to smoking, including lung cancer. Sun-smart is a strategy to put in place to make people aware of health consequences that are related to, to much sun exposure. Their aim is to effectively reduce skin cancer in Australia.

Community Cost INDIRECT – Absenteeism If the individual is to ill they may need to take time off work, therefore a replacement will need to be found this places financial burden on the community. DIRECT- The cost of prevention strategies Government and non-government organisations need to spend money on developing campaigns that inform the community of the causes and risks that are related to cancer. INTANGEABLE- loss of an individual The loss of a member of the community will cause emotional pain and suffering to be experienced by others.

Individual Cost INDIRECT- loss future earnings. This will include the amount of income lost during the duration of the caner DIRECT- The cost of medical care. Money spent on health care for cancer, may include cost such as hospitalisation and out of pocket expense for doctor visits. INTANGABLE- Loss of quality life. Cancer can impact on the ability of the individual to participate in their regular dial activities.