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Chapter 3 Neoplasia

Common Cancer Types in Canada

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Zoë Soon

Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is a disease that impacts millions of lives on a global scale, responsible for approximately one in six deaths.  In Canada, the four most common types of cancer include prostate cancer with older biological males being most at risk and breast cancer with adult biological females being most at risk.  Other prevalent cancers in Canada are lung cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer and uterine cancer.  Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are also common forms of cancer and are associated with repeated exposure to sun UV rays.   

Other major risk factors for development of cancer include smoking, air pollution, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables, high body mass index (BMI), sedentary behaviour, and infection with oncoviruses (e.g., human papilloma virus, HPV, hepatitis B and C viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and H. pylori) and exposure to either chemical carcinogens (e.g., asbestos) or ionizing (e.g., x-rays and gamma rays) and non-ionizing radiation (e.g., UV rays).  In sum, any agent (physical, chemical, or biological) that can cause DNA damage are considered carcinogens, as DNA mutations are the cause of a cell becoming cancerous.

Human somatic cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes whereas gametes (sperm and oocytes) contain 23 chromosomes.
A human somatic (body) cell contains 23 pairs of) chromosomes.  Each chromosome’s DNA encodes critical information in the form of genes that are used in the production of the protein enzymes and building blocks necessary for cell function and survival. The specific protein activities of each cell in the body are vital in maintaining organ function, homeostasis, and survival.

 

DNA Mutation by both Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation
DNA mutation by exposure to radiation: (a) Ionizing radiation may lead to the formation of single-stranded and double-stranded breaks in the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA, as well as to the modification of bases (not shown). (b) Nonionizing radiation like ultraviolet (UV) light can lead to the formation of thymine dimers, which can stall replication and transcription and introduce frameshift or point mutations.  UV exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer.

Smoking is widely regarded as the leading cause of cancer, increasing the risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer.  In this unit we will explore the pathogenesis of different cancers, other causative agents, and different forms of treatment.  Prevention strategies will also be discussed which include avoiding tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure.

For current Canadian statistics data on incidence, prevalence, mortality and survival rates of each cancer for children and teenagers, visit The Cancer in Young People in Canada Data Tool, and for adults visit The Canadian Cancer Data Tool.

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