Cancer cluster
Cancer cluster
Cancer cluster (/ˈkænsər ˈklʌstər/) is a term used to describe a geographical area or a specific group of people with a significantly higher than expected incidence of cancer. The term is often used in epidemiology and public health research.
Etymology
The term "cancer cluster" is derived from the Latin cancer meaning "crab" or "creeping ulcer" and the Old English cluster meaning "a bunch". The term was first used in the mid-20th century to describe instances where a high number of cancer cases were identified in a specific area or population.
Definition
A cancer cluster is defined as a greater-than-expected number of cancer cases that occurs within a group of people in a geographic area over a period of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations use complex statistical models to determine whether a group of cancer cases qualifies as a cluster.
Related terms
- Epidemiology: The study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.
- Oncology: The study of cancer.
- Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
- Environmental health: The branch of public health that focuses on the relationships between people and their environment.
Investigation
Investigating potential cancer clusters is a complex process. It involves initial assessment to determine if the number of cancer cases is higher than expected, followed by a more detailed investigation to identify potential causes. This may involve looking at environmental factors, lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and other potential risk factors.
Prevention and control
Prevention and control of cancer clusters involve identifying and reducing exposure to carcinogens, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and implementing screening programs to detect cancer early. Public health interventions may also be necessary to address larger environmental or occupational health issues that may be contributing to a cancer cluster.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cancer cluster
- Wikipedia's article - Cancer cluster
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