Predisposing Factors of CANCER

AGE
older individuals are more prone to cancer because they have been exposed to carcinogens
longer. In addition, they have developed alterations in the immune system
SEX
The most common type of cancer in females is breast cancer. Whereas, the most common type of
cancer in males is prostate cancer
URBAN VS. RURAL RESIDENCE
Cancer is more common among urban dwellers than among rural residents. This is probably due
to greater exposure to carcinogens, more stressful lifestyle and greater consumption of
preservative – cured foods among urban dwellers.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
 The most common type of cancer in Japan is gastric cancer.
 While the most common type of cancer in the US is breast cancer.
Discussions:
This may be due to influence of environmental factors as national diet (raw foods greatly consist
Japanese diet), ethnic customs, types of pollutions
OCCUPATION
there is greater risk of exposure to carcinogens among chemical factory workers, farmers,
radiology department personnel
HEREDITY
Positive family history of cancer increases the risk to develop the disease.
Discussions:
 In adults, approximately 34% of cancers have a familial basis.
 Cancers that may have familial link include breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate,
melanoma, uterine, leukemia, sarcomas, and primary brain tumors.
STRESS
 Depression, grief, anger, aggression, despair, or life stresses decrease
immunocompetence because of affectation of hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
 Immunodeficiency may spur the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
PRECANCEROUS LESIONS
 Pigmented moles,
 burn scars,
 senile keratosis,
 leukoplakia,
 benign polyps or adenoma of the colon / stomach,
 fibrocystic disease of the breast,
Discussions:
all of the above may undergo transformation into cancerous lesions and tumors
OBESITY
 Studies have linked obesity to breast cancer (in postmenopausal women).
 Also associated with increased risk for cancers of the pancreas, gallbladder, thyroid,
ovary, and cervix, and for multiple myeloma