Recent trends in cervix uteri cancer

Article Abstract:

In the United States, the frequency of the incidence and the death rate for cancer of the cervix has dramatically decreased over the last 35 years. Risk factors such as race, age, histologic type, and geographic area for cancer of the cervix were examined during the 1970s and through the 1980s. The incidence and mortality of blacks with invasive and in situ (non-invasive) cervical cancer is approximately twice that of whites. The incidence and mortality of invasive cervical cancer has decreased among blacks in all age groups and in whites over 50 years, but has remained the same among whites who are under 50. The rates of carcinoma in situ have not changed through the years. An increased trend towards cervical cancer was observed only in young whites with certain histological (tissue) types, in particular, adenocarcinomas. Major risk factors for cervical cancer include multiple sex partners and first intercourse at an early age. A survey of whites in the early 1980s showed that the average number of sex partners increased from two to five, and the age of first intercourse decreased from age 22 to 19. Other surveys have shown blacks to have greater number of sexual partners and to begin intercourse at an earlier age than whites. Other risk factors that are more prevalent in young people include cigarette smoking and the use of oral contraceptives. The decline of the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer appears to be related to the widespread screening of individuals by PAP smears, allowing diagnosis of premalignant lesions. If more blacks were screened, the racial differences would be expected to decrease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cervical cancer, Carcinoma in situ, Adenocarcinoma

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Mutagen sensitivity and cancer susceptibility: report of a cancer-prone family

Article Abstract:

Some types of cancer, such as retinoblastoma, become the single frequent type of cancer occurring within a family, and the incidence is related to the defect of a single set of genes. Less information is available about the possible genetic defects in families that are predisposed to develop diverse types of cancer. There are three likely alterations in chromosomes that may cause the frequent occurrence of multiple cancer types in these ''cancer families.'' The first is an alteration at one critical site, which is associated with a chromosomal marker. Secondly, specific fragile sites near a critical chromosome area may be altered. Thirdly, there may be increased sensitivity to mutagens (chemicals that tend to alter chromosome structure), which may be related to alterations in the proteins (coded for by chromosomes) that repair defects in chromosomes. These three alternatives were studied in the family of a three-year-old boy with a rare leukemia. Six other family members had other rare cancers, and cells were collected from 13 family members and analyzed for chromosome markers, fragile sites, and susceptibility to mutagens. Only mutagen susceptibility was found to be very elevated in all tested family members. The results suggest that common genetic determinant related to repair of chromosomal defects may be involved in the cancer susceptibility in this family. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Genetic aspects, Carcinogenesis, Mutagens

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A New Zealand Cancer Registry-based study of cancer in wood workers

Article Abstract:

Numerous studies have shown that wood workers are at higher risk for several types of cancer. These workers are exposed to a number of substances which might contribute to increased cancer risk, including wood dust, pesticides applied to the wood, and various wood-treating chemicals, such as chlorophenols. Unfortunately, it is difficult to distinguish between these various factors to determine which ones are the most significant in terms of cancer risk. In a review of 19,904 men in the New Zealand Cancer Registry, wood workers were found to be at higher risk for lung cancer, liver cancer, and cancer of the nasopharynx and lips. Sawmill workers had the highest risk of lung cancer, at 1.76 times normal, and liver cancer, at 3.55, while the risk for cancer of the nasopharynx was highest among forestry workers and loggers, at 6.02. While some other studies have reported increased incidence of stomach cancers and cancers of the hemopoietic system among wood workers, those findings were not confirmed by the present study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Reports, Occupational diseases, Woodworkers

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