epidemiological issues: Role of physical activity in Chronic Disease: LUNG cANCER

1. epidemiological issues: Role of physical activity in Chronic Disease:LUNG cANCER Heather Johnson HLTH 4220: Epidemiology Dr. Jim White November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

2. LUNG CANCER • Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. • Abnormal cells DO NOT carry out the functions of normal cells and DO NOT develop into healthy lung tissue. • Abnormal cells can form tumors which prevents function of the lung(s), which is to provide oxygen to the body via the blood.

3. Types of Lung Cancer • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): • Accounts for 80% of all lung cancers • Different types of NSCLC: • Squamous cell carcinoma • Adenocarcinoma • Bronchioalveolar carcinoma • Large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma • Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) • Accounts for 20% of all lung cancers • Cells are small but multiply quickly and form large tumors that can spread throughout the body • SMOKING IS ALMOST ALWAYS THE CAUSE OF SCLC!

4. Demographics Affected by Lung Cancer

5. Incidence Rates • As stated by the National Cancer Institute: • From 2002-2006 median age for cancer diagnosis was 71 years old • According to the CDC: • Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. • Smoking is the cause of 90% of lung cancer in men and 80% of lung cancer in women.

6. Mortality Rates • In 2006 Lung Cancer accounted for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer Combined. • In the same year: • 106,374 men and 90,080 women were diagnosed with lung cancer. • 89,243 men and 69,356 women died from lung cancer.

7. Prevalence of Lung Cancer in the United States

8. Reduce your risk for Lung Cancer • Reduce your risk of lung cancer by: • Not smoking, and if you do, Quit! • Avoiding Second hand smoke • Having your home tested for Radon • Avoiding unnecessary medical tests with X-rays of the chest • Following safety regulations and avoiding exposure to: • Asbestos • Arsenic • Chloromethyl ethers • Chromium • Nickel • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

9. Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Prevention • As outlined by the American Cancer Society: • Maintain a healthy body weight throughout life • Adopt a physically active lifestyle • Adults: Moderate to vigorous activity 30 min. 5 days a week • Children: 60 min. per day of moderate to vigorous activity 5 days a week • Eat a healthy diet with emphasis on fruits and veggies • Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages • Avoid all forms of tobacco

10. Nutrition and Physical Activity: Lung Cancer • More than 85% of lung cancers result from tobacco smoking, and another 10% to 14% may be linked to radon exposure. • Studies have shown that the risk of lung cancer is lower among both smokers and nonsmokers who eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day. Although healthful eating may reduce the risk of lung cancer, the risks from tobacco remain high. • Using high-dose beta-carotene and/or vitamin A supplements has increased (not decreased) lung cancer risk among smokers

11. Summary • The best way to reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer is to: • AVOID ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS! • Lead a healthy and active lifestyle • Monitor your environment (second hand smoke or other chemicals)

12. Sources • National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov • American Cancer Society www.cancer.org • CDC (Center for Disease Control) www.cdc.gov