Transcript health_textbook_unit_Portugal

The word cancer comes
from the Greek term
"karkinos" used by the
"Father
of
Medicine"
Hippocrates
(460-370
B.C.) which means crab,
due to the similarity that
some tumours have with
this animal.
What’s cancer?
It’s a tumor that emerges when cells in a part
of the body divide without any control due to
mutations that occur at the level of genes that
control the cell cycle. When these cells
acquire the ability to spread through the body
–metastasize - the tumour is malignant cancer
or malignant neoplasm . Therefore, cancer is
not an acute but a chronic disease, since when
it clinically manifests itself it already has 10, 20
or more years of evolution. For example, a
breast cancer with 1 cm has 10 years of
evolution.
All cancers are genetic diseases but the majority
- about 95% are not inherited.
As to the origin, we can consider:
 hereditary cancer – it is inherited; being a rare
cancer, there are however many cases in the
same family.
 sporadic cancer - about 95% of cases result
from somatic mutations that the individual
acquires throughout life and result from the
interaction
between
genes
and
the
environment (viruses, bacteria, tobacco, sun,
air pollution, ..)

Ageing
Most cancers occur in
people older than 65
since they result from
the accumulation of
mutations.
However,
cancers may appear
in people of all ages,
including children.

Tobacco
Using
tobacco
products or being in
regular contact with
smoke
(environmental
smoking, passive or
secondary) increases
the risk of cancer
because
these
products
are
mutagens, therefore,
causing
genetic
mutations.

Sun light
Ultraviolet
(UV)
radiation coming from
the sun, solar lamps
and
tanning
beds
cause premature aging
of the skin and gene
mutations that can lead
to skin cancer.

Ionizing Radiation
This type of radiation comes
from
rays
entering
our
atmosphere from outer space,
radioactive dust, radon gas, Xray, among other sources.
In Portugal, there has been
growing concern about the
radon that causes lung cancer.
This
radioactive, invisible,
odorless gas, comes from the
decay of uranium that is found
mainly in granite that is widely
used in house construction.

Certain chemicals and other substances
Certain workers (painters, construction workers
and chemical industry workers) have an
increased risk to develop a tumour since the
exposure to asbestos, benzene, cadmium, nickel,
or vinyl chloride in the workplace can cause
cancer.

Certain viruses and bacteria.
Being infected with certain viruses and bacteria
may increase the risk of developing some tumours:
 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV ): HPV infection is
the main cause of cervical cancer;
 Hepatitis B and C Viruses : liver cancer may
develop many years after infection with hepatitis
B or hepatitis C.
 Human T-Lymphocyte Virus (HTLV-1): infection
with HTLV-1 increases the risk of developing
leukemia and lymphoma.
 HIV Virus: HIV is the virus that causes AIDS
(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
 Epstein-Barr Virus
(EBV): infection with HPV
has been associated with an increased risk of
lymphomas.
 Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8): this virus is a
risk factor for Kaposi's sarcoma.
 Helicobacter pylori: this bacteria can cause
stomach ulcers; it can also cause stomach
cancer and lymphoma in the stomach lining.

Certain hormones
Studies have shown that hormone replacement
therapy in menopause can cause serious side
effects: it can increase the risk of breast cancer,
myocardial infarction, stroke or thrombus
formation.

Alcohol
Drinking more than two
alcoholic drinks per day,
for many years, may
increase the possibility of
developing cancer of the
mouth, throat, esophagus,
larynx, liver and breast
cancer. The risk increases
with the amount of alcohol
that a person drinks.
Studies
suggest
that
persons whose diet is
rich in fat have an
increased risk of colon,
uterus
and
prostate
cancer. On the other
hand, lack of physical
activity and weight gain
are risk factors for breast,
colon, esophagus, kidney,
and uterus cancer.
Preventive measures
 Having a healthy diet that
includes plenty of foods rich in
fiber, vitamins and minerals,
limiting foods high in fat.
Being
active
because
physical activity can help
control weight and reduce
body fat.
Not smoking or drinking
excessively.
 Wearing
gloves
and
protective
masks
when
manipulating chemicals and
certain substances.
 No sun exposure between
11am and 4pm. Always use
sunscreen
with
a
sun
protection factor (SPF) equal
or greater than 15.
Preventive Measures
• Avoiding unprotected sex.
• Not sharing needles, sharp
objects or objects that may
have been contaminated with
blood.
• Considering taking a
vaccine that prevents
hepatitis.
malignant
tumours
Source: ARSN, DSP - webmort@lidades
Local Health Plan – Vila Nova de Famalicão – July 2015