Mark McKinney

Mark McKinney

Professor Fugal

Intro to Public Health

26 March 2013

Community Trends Assignment

For my community trends assignment, I spoke with Megan Balough, the Cancer Control Program Epidemiologist from the Utah Department of Health. In addition to speaking to me thoroughly about trends in cancer, she referred me to a website called IBIS-PH which added to my research of growing health trends for the Utah County area. In speaking with Megan, she told me that the top 5 cancers diagnosed for people living in Utah were (1) prostate, (2) breast, (3) colorectal, (4) melanoma, and (5) lung. In addition she told me that the top 5 cancers causing mortality were (1) lung, (2) colorectal, (3) breast, (4) prostate, and (5) pancreatic. I thought it was interesting that there was almost an inverse relationship between the five that were most common and those that those that caused the most deaths. In my conversation with Megan, she gave me a general definition and explanation for each type of cancer.

Prostate Cancer

            The most common cancer in Utah among men is prostate cancer. As the name suggests, it forms in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. While women do technically have a prostate, this form of cancer is typically only classified among men. It is, however, the most prevalent form of all cancers in Utah. Most men with prostate cancer tend to be over 65 years old. It has also been found more often among African American men than for Caucasians.

Breast Cancer

            The second most common cancer in Utah, and most common in women, is breast cancer. It is a cancer that occurs either in the milk glands or the ducts that the milk travels through in the breasts. These cancers are named lobular carcinoma and ductal carcinoma respectively. The most common indicators of breast cancer in women are tumors that manifest in the form of lumps. These can be found physically, but most commonly through mammograms. Contrary to popular belief, some men can receive breast cancer; however, 99% of cases occur in women, most being over age 50.

Colorectal Cancer

            Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent form of cancer in Utah. It is more commonly known as colon cancer, as it grows in the large intestine. The cancer develops as a result of abnormal growth of polyps in the colon. Cancer develops inside the polyps and spreads as it leaves the polyps to infect the colon. This form of cancer is prevalent among both men and women and is most common among people over 50. The most important form of prevention is screening, which is accordingly suggested at age 50.

Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

            Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in Utah. It is also the most deadly form of skin cancer that can develop in many different ways. It most commonly develops as a dark brown, blue, or black color. It can also be indicated by irregular borders, asymmetry, and size (most melanomas being large). There are many factors that influence the development of skin cancer. While some are hereditary, and therefore uncontrolled, we can avoid higher risk by reducing exposure to sun and UV rays (especially from tanning beds).

Lung Cancer

            The fifth most common form of cancer in Utah is lung cancer. It also happens to be the deadliest form of cancer in Utah as well. This form of cancer occurs when a tumor forms in the lungs and is classified by a distinction in size: small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. The most common cause is tobacco, so people who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke are generally the most affected. In other cases, researches have targeted risks such as exposure to radon gas, asbestos and other chemicals, alcohol and a family history of lung cancer.