L3: Cancer Molecular Epidemiology Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the definition of epidemiology?
The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related conditions in specific populations and the application of this study to the control of health problems.
How prevalent is cancer in the UK?
Approximately 50% of people are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, with 375,000 new cases per year.
What are the most important risk factors for cancer?
Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, ultraviolet radiation (UVR), infections, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.
What is the impact of early detection on cancer outcomes?
Early detection can significantly improve cancer outcomes, as conditions diagnosed at an earlier stage are often more treatable.
How can molecular biomarkers improve cancer outcomes?
They can identify high-risk individuals, detect cancer early, diagnose cancer types, optimise treatment selection, and monitor recurrence.
What does PSA stand for and what is its significance?
PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen; it is a biomarker used to screen for prostate health issues, including prostate cancer.
What is the function of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in cancer detection?
ctDNA can provide information about tumour presence, growth, and characteristics, making it a useful tool for early detection and monitoring of cancer.
What is the concept of ‘Population Attributable Fraction’ (PAF) in cancer epidemiology?
PAF refers to the proportion of cancers that would be prevented by removing a specific exposure or risk factor.
What role do plasma proteins play in lung cancer screening?
Certain plasma proteins have been identified as predictive of lung cancer risk and can outperform traditional screening methods for early detection.
What are future directions for cancer biomarkers in clinical applications?
Future research is focused on identifying new biomarker types, improving sensitivity in detection, precise subtype diagnosis, evaluating therapeutic targets, and translating research into clinical practice.
