Glencoe Health © 2007

Chapter 26: Noncommunicable Diseases and Disabilities

Student Web Activities Lesson 2: Cancer

Introduction:
More people die from cancer in the United States than from anything except heart disease. At least 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths are estimated to be caused by cigarette smoking. Another one-third of cancer deaths are related to nutrition and physical activity factors. At the American Cancer Society Web site, you can read about the persistent myths surrounding the disease, and about the latest research into the causes and prevention.

Links to Explore:
American Cancer Society: Myths and Half-Truths About Cancer
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/PED_11_Cancer_Myths.asp

Directions:

    • Click on the Cancer Myths Link and follow the links to these topics:
      • Early Lifestyle Choices
      • The Cancer Cure
      • Do Injuries Cause Cancer?
      • Air Pollution Versus Smoking
      • Sunscreen Once a Day
      • Harmful Chemicals in Grilled Meat
      • The Risk of Dying from Cancer Today
    • Once you have read this information, answer the following questions.

1.
True or false: Cancer is not one disease, but many different diseases with different causes.
2.
Which contains more carcinogens: luncheon meats or grilled meat?
3.
If you use waterproof sunscreen, do you need to reapply it during the day? If so, how often?
4.
A one-pack-a-day smoker who lives in a city with a lot of air pollution has a higher cancer risk than a similar smoker who lives in an area with clean air. According to the American Cancer Society, how much higher is that risk?
5.
Name four important early lifestyle choices that increase your risk of developing cancer.
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