Health Psychology Chapter 10: Cancer Nov 9-12, 2007 Classes #33-34

Cancer Cancer is the 2nd most common cause of death in the US after heart disease. Cancer kills 1 out of every 4 Americans. The risk of developing cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle.

What is Cancer? Normal body cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. Cancer cells are different because they do not die, just continue to divide and grow. Cancer cells form as a result of damaged DNA.

What is Cancer? These damaged genes can be passed on, which accounts for inherited cancers. In other cases, the DNA is damaged by an outside source such as smoking. Cancer usually forms a tumor.

What is Cancer There are two types of tumors: Malignant and Benign Malignant tumors spread to other areas in the body. These are the dangerous ones. Benign tumors stay in one place.

Types of Cancer Sarcoma-rise from connective tissue such as muscle or bone and are more common in younger people. Carcinomas-which occur in epithelial tissue and are more common in older people. It includes lung, breast, prostate, and colon.

Types of Cancer Leukemia- cancers of the blood or blood forming organs. Lymphomas- affect the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a group of vessels and nodes that act as the body’s filter. It prevents bacteria and foreign invaders from entering the bloodstream.

Causes of Cancer 80% are considered sporadic- meaning the cause is unknown. There are several risk factors that increase the chance of cancer: Age- risk increases >50. Diet- high fat, high cholesterol diets increase risk.

Causes of Cancer Obesity- no clear link but research indicates it is a factor Cigarettes- increases lung cancer, other tobacco products such as pipes and chewing tobacco increase cancers of the mouth. Long term exposure to chemicals- asbestos, radon and benzene.

Causes of Cancer Exposure to high levels of radiation Harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Some viruses- Hepatitis B, C, HPV, Epsteinn-Barr. Immune system diseases

Causes of Cancer Heredity Screenings are recommended for high risk families. You are considered high risk if : Several relatives have had cancer or if someone had cancer at a very early age.

Symptoms of Cancer Remember one word: CAUTION Changes in bowel or bladder habits. A sore that will not heal. Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in breast or any part of the body.

CAUTION Indigestion or difficulty swallowing. Obvious change in any wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness.

Diagnosis of Cancer Biopsy- small tissue sample under a microscope to look for cancerous cells. Endoscopy- a flexible plastic tube with a tiny camera Diagnostic Imaging- x rays

Diagnosis of Cancer CAT scan- more precise than standard x-ray. MRI- uses a powerful magnetic field, very accurate but expensive. Blood Tests- some tumors release substances called tumor markers which can be found in the blood.

Treatment of Cancer Types of treatment: Surgery- 60% of all cancer pts. have some kind of surgery. Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Immunotherapy

Diet and Cancer The American Cancer Society recommends 4 rules of thumb for cancer prevention: Choose most of the foods you eat from plant sources. 5 or more servings Limit intake of high fat foods, particularly from animal sources. Be physically active. Limit alcohol intake.

Dietary Components Associated with Cancer Excesses of Certain substances such as: Fat- the end products of metabolism have been found to be carcinogenic. Alcohol- has been connected with liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. Pickled and Smoked Foods- related to cancers of the esophagus and stomach. that may increase the risk.

Dietary Components Associated with Cancer Cooking methods have also been found to have a role in cancer. Frying or charcoal-broiling meats at very high temperatures creates chemicals

Protective Dietary Components Certain foods and nutrients have been shown to protect against certain types of cancers. Vitamin C - has been shown to protect against cancer of stomach, esophagus, and oral cavity. antioxidants- these are certain nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.

Protective Dietary Components Fruits and Veggies- contain vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals. Vitamin E and selenium- both antioxidants that protect cells against breakdown. Calcium- Calcium reduces cell turnover rates. Water- drinking more than 5 glasses a day has been associated with a lower risk of cancer.

Cancer-Prone Personality TYPE C PERSONALITY - present a calm front externally, but often have pent-up emotions, usually negative emotions like anger and depression - non competitive & submissive - have difficulty expressing their emotions and feelings - often overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness & helplessness - meticulous, serious and neat people - have poor coping skills to stressful situations - show self-blame at the time of diagnosis of terminal illnesses

Holistic Medicine Guided Imagery Systematic Desensitization

Guided Imagery Get patient to relax focus on positive images replaces negative ones

Bovbjerg and Redd (1990) Participants 20 female ovarian cancer patients Procedure Chemotherapy given to patients in hospital setting Patients return home within hours after treatment Hypothesis Classically conditioned anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV) and anticipatory immune suppression (AIS)

Bovbjerg and Redd (1990) UCS  UCR (chemo) (nausea/vomiting) NS  NO RESPONSE (hospital) (no reaction) NS + UCS  UCR (hospital) (chemo) (nausea/vomiting) * This is repeated several times… CS  CR (hospital) (nausea/vomiting)

Bovbjerg and Redd (1990) UCS  UCR (chemo) (immunosuppressive) NS  NO RESPONSE (hospital) (no reaction) NS + UCS  UCR (hospital) (chemo)(immunosuppressive) * This is repeated several times… CS  CR (hospital) (immunosuppressive)

Results Participants experienced both decreased immune function and increased nausea when they returned to hospital setting

Practical Implications Could cancer patients decrease in immune functioning possibly be avoided?

Important factors in Treatment Knowledge and Control Emotional Disclosure Emotional Intelligence Social Support

Stop, Look, and Listen Be aware of your body, this is the best prevention against cancer. Early detection can be the difference between life and death! Here are some things to look for early detection of the most common cancers.

Stop, Look, and Listen Breast Cancer- look for a lump, any puckering, dimpling or scaling of the breast skin. Colorectal Cancer- blood in the stool, prolonged diarrhea, or constipation. Endometrial Cancer- (lining of the uterus) bleeding between periods or after menopause.

Stop, Look, and Listen Cervical Cancer-Bleeding after intercourse, or between periods Prostate- Frequent or painful urination, blood in the urine, difficulty starting and stopping. Testicular Cancer- a change in the consistency of the testicles, or a small hard lump that is often painless.

Stop, Look, and Listen Oral Cancer- white or velvety red patches Skin Cancer- Check body from head to toe, looking for new moles, or those that have suddenly increased in size, changed color, or bleed easily. Lung cancer- chest pain, recurring bronchitis, or pneumonia

Conclusion Cancer is a preventable disease in most cases. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Be aware of your body. Great resource:

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