lectures 14&15 Flashcards
what are the purpose of retrospective studies?
to examine exposure to risk/protection factors in relation to an outcome that is established at the start of the study
are errors and bias more common in retrospective or prospective studies?
retrospective studies
what is the purpose of prospective studies?
- it examines the outcome during the study period and relates this to other factors such as suspected risk or protection factors
is cervical cancer avoidable?
yes, 100%
is prostate cancer avoidable?
it is 0% avoidable
what are the advantages of testing for PSA levels?
- can detect prostate cancer before symptoms arise - intervention may halt the spread and prevent health problems
do high or low levels of the prostate specific antigen indicate prostate cancer?
high levels
what are the disadvantages of testing PSA levels?
- a raised PSA level doesn’t necessarily mean prostate cancer
- a low level may not mean no prostate cancer - 15% of those with a normal PSA will have prostate cancer
- may lead to more tests such as a biopsy which can cause side effects
what are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
- having testes
- age
- previous testicular cancer
- HIV/AIDs
- family history
- height
what are survival factors for testicular cancer?
- lower weight
- earlier puberty
what is cervical cancer caused by
human papillomavirus
define what is meant by a non-communicable disease
diseases of long duration and generally slow progression that are not passed from person to person
define what is meant by a risk factor
an aspect of behaviour or lifestyle, environment, or genetic profile that is associated with an increase in the occurrence of a particular disease
define what is meant as a modifiable risk factor
a factor that can be controlled or reduced to reduce the probability of disease
what are the primary modifiable risk factors of disease?
- physical inactivity
- tobacco use
- alcohol use
- unhealthy diet
