Behavioral Factors in Cancer
36. Bettye is a 40-year old X-ray technician who smokes about two packs of cigarettes a day,
drinks about two alcoholic beverages a day, and eats a diet low in saturated fats. Her
number one risk for cancer death is her
a. job.
b. smoking.
c. diet.
d. gender.
37. Taylor is a 28-year-old stockbroker with a 6-year-old son. She smokes about 30 cigarettes
a day and consumes about 5 to 10 alcoholic drinks during a week. Because her mother
died of cancer of the esophagus at age 64, Taylor is trying to reduce her risk of cancer.
Her best course of action would be to
a. change jobs.
b. have another child.
c. quit smoking.
d. stop drinking.
38. Although the leading cause of lung cancer deaths continues to be smoking, _________ is
another important behavioral risk for all other cancers in the United States.
a. diet.
b. unsafe sex.
c. alcohol.
d. stressful life events.
39. Male cigarette smokers are _______ times more likely to die of lung cancer than men
who have never smoked.
a. 10.5
b. 23.3
c. 50
d. 67.2
40. Studies on the attitudes of smoking in Denmark compared to the United States indicate
that _______ may play an important role in how an individual understands his or her
perceived risk from smoking.
a. acceptability of smoking
b. cultural prevalence of smoking
c. overall mortality rates
d. both a and b
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41. A high-fat diet that contributes to high cholesterol levels appears to be a risk factor for
_____________.
a. lung cancer
b. breast cancer
c. testicular cancer
d. colorectal cancer
42. Nick eats a high-fat diet and this may increase risk for _______ cancer.
a. colorectal
b. testicular
c. lung
d. kidney
43. John eats a lot of meat in his diet, mainly preserved meats, such as ham and bacon. His
diet increases his risk of ______ cancer.
a. colorectal
b. testicular
c. lung
d. kidney
44. Mary is obese and her weight increases her risk for all of the following cancers EXCEPT:
a. esophagus
b. kidney
c. endometrium
d. colorectal
45. Bruce eats a diet high in fiber. High-fiber diets have been shown to be protective for
______ cancer.
a. esophagus
b. kidney
c. endometrium
d. colorectal
46. In moderate amounts, selenium offers protection against ________ cancer(s).
a. prostate
b. kidney
c. colon
d. both a and c
47. Women who consume ____ drinks per _____ have a moderate to strong risk for breast
cancer.
a. 1-2; week
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b. 1-2; day
c. 3-5; week
d. 3+; day
48. Individuals who keep a healthy weight, maintain a healthy diet, stay physically active,
and drink in moderation have a _____ lower risk for cancer-related death than individuals
who do not adhere to those healthy behaviors.
a. 21%
b. 33%
c. 48%
d. 66%
49. Individuals who keep a healthy weight, maintain a healthy diet, stay physically active,
and drink in moderation have a _____ lower risk for cardiovascular disease-related death
than individuals who do not adhere to those healthy behaviors.
a. 21%
b. 33%
c. 48%
d. 66%
50. Susan regularly tans using an indoor tanning bad. Compared to other young adults who
do not use tanning beds, Susan is at a _____ increased risk for melanoma.
a. 25%
b. 45%
c. 50%
d. 75%
51. Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) increases risk for ____ and ____ cancer.
a. cervical; breast
b. cervical; oral
c. breast; oral
d. oral; throat
52. During the past 70 years, the introduction of refrigeration and food additives has been
linked most strongly to
a. decreases in lung cancer.
b. increases in colon cancer.
c. increases in stomach cancer.
d. decreases in stomach cancer.
53. Some evidence indicates that being ___________ is positively related to colon and rectal
cancer.
a. overweight
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b. female
c. male
d. European American
54. Currently, the evidence that some diets can prevent cancer is
a. difficult to establish through randomized, controlled trials.
b. stronger for taking dietary supplements than for consuming specific foods.
c. about as strong as the evidence that smoking is related to cancer.
d. nonexistent.
55. Among the following, which of these factors carries the lowest risk factor for cancer?
a. several family members developed cancer before age 50
b. a diet high in vegetables
c. being African American
d. having multiple sex partners
56. Lee Ann believes that diet is an important factor in cancer. She wants to eat a diet that
will protect her. Current research indicates that
a. Lee Ann should concentrate on eating a high-protein diet.
b. Lee Ann should take vitamin supplements.
c. Lee Ann should eat “natural” foods with no preservatives.
d. Lee Ann should eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
57. One reason that consuming red meat may raise the risk for cancer is
a. the methods of preparation, such as grilling and smoking, provide risks.
b. the high protein content is a risk.
c. the high carbohydrate content of the meat is a risk.
d. meat is more likely to be contaminated that grains, nuts, or vegetables.
58. Josh is a 22-year-old nonsmoking college senior who wants to reduce his risk for lung
cancer. His best course of action would be to
a. take large doses of vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A supplements.
b. take moderate doses of a variety of supplements.
c. adopt a life-long diet that contains high levels of fruits and vegetables.
d. avoid high levels of dietary vitamin C.
59. As a risk factor for cancer, alcohol has
a. approximately the same risk as cigarette smoking.
b. approximately the same risk as improper diet.
c. a synergistic effect with smoking.
d. a synergistic effect with ultraviolet light.
Behavioral Factors in Cancer
60. Current evidence for a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer is
a. convincing, with studies showing that higher consumption creates higher risk.
b. strong, with all studies showing a causal relationship.
c. weak, with most studies showing no link.
d. nonexistent, because no studies have yet investigated this link.
61. Physical activity seems to offer some protection against
a. non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
b. colon cancer.
c. bone cancer.
d. lung cancer.
62. Physical activity is most likely to protect women against breast cancer if
a. they begin a physical activity program early in their lives and maintain physical
activity.
b. they postpone physical activity until after menopause.
c. they begin a physical activity program early in life and then stop or greatly reduce
exercise after menopause.
d. they are married and have at least one child.
63. Kristy is a 21-year-old college student who is concerned about breast cancer because both
her mother and grandmother developed the disease before the age of 55. Current evidence
shows that Kristy can reduce her chances of breast cancer by
a. continuing as a nondrinker.
b. continuing as a nonsmoker.
c. beginning and maintaining a regular physical activity program.
d. doing all of these.
64. Skin cancer is more common among
a. dark-skinned people.
b. light-skinned people.
c. light-skinned people who avoid the sun.
d. people who live in Europe compared with people who live in the United States.
65. HIV infection is associated with increases in
a. lung cancer.
b. Kaposi’s sarcoma.
c. non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
d. both Kaposi’s sarcoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
66. In the United States,
a. most people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma do not have AIDS.
b. most people with Kaposi’s sarcoma do not have AIDS.
c. most people with rectal cancer have AIDS.
d. most people with colon cancer have AIDS.
67. Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer that occurs most frequently in the United States as a result
of
a. ultraviolet light.
b. HIV infection.
c. suppression of emotion.
d. Type A behavior pattern.
68. Which is a risk factor for cancer of the cervix?
a. having a first child later in life
b. large number of sex partners
c. use of diaphragms and condoms
d. high educational level
69. When cancerous growth has not yet metastasized, ____ is most likely to be
recommended.
a. surgery
b. hormonal therapy
c. immunotherapy
d. chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
70. Which of these cancer treatments has serious and painful side effects?
a. radiation
b. surgery
c. chemotherapy
d. all of these
71. Research indicates that a diagnosis of cancer often
a. results in feelings of fear and anger.
b. leads to suicide in about 25% of patients.
c. leads to significant psychosocial problems in about 60% of patients.
d. leads to clinical depression in more than 50% of patients.
Behavioral Factors in Cancer
72. Elsa has recently experienced fatigue, weight change, hair loss, nausea, loss of sexual
interest, sleep problems, and loss of appetite after her treatment for cancer. These
symptoms are most likely to follow
a. chemotherapy.
b. surgery.
c. hormonal treatment.
d. immunotherapy.
73. Leo has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Leo is LEAST likely to experience high
levels of stress if
a. he is unmarried.
b. his wife makes a “big show” of her concern.
c. his wife demonstrates an obvious high level of social support.
d. his wife provides social support, but Leo does not notice her efforts.
74. Psychologists’ involvement in cancer has centered mostly on
a. diagnosis and cure.
b. diagnosis and prevention.
c. neoplastic research and prevention.
d. prevention and helping patients to cope with their illness.
75. Research indicates that psychotherapy can help cancer patients
a. make a good adjustment to their disease and extend their lives.
b. reduce the distress of cancer and treatment but not extend their lives.
c. accept their disease and become optimistic.
d. attain a better level of integration of family and health care personnel.
76. _____ is related to adjusting well to a diagnosis of cancer, but not necessarily survival of
cancer.
a. Optimism
b. Social support
c. Hardiness
d. Physical Energy
77. Women with greater ___________ show slower cancer progression than women with
less.
a. emotional support
b. structural social support
c. problem-focused support
d. invisible support
Behavioral Factors in Cancer
78. Thus far, research evidence suggests that psychological interventions _________.
a. prolong the life of those with cancer
b. improve short term emotional support
c. both a and b
d. neither a nor b
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True/False Questions
1. Currently, cancer death rates in the United States are rising.
2. In the United States, lung cancer accounts for the highest percent of all cancer deaths for both
women and men.
3. Among women in the United States, breast cancer has the highest death rate but not the
highest incidence.
4. Among men in the United States, prostate cancer has the highest death rate but not the highest
incidence.
5. Malignant tumors tend to remain localized, whereas benign tumors tend to spread.
6. Individuals are developing cancer at the same rates as they did decades ago, but improved
healthcare prolongs the life of cancer patients, which accounts for the decrease in cancer-related
deaths in the past decade.
7. During the first six years of the 21st century, cancer death rates in the United States have
exceeded death rates from cardiovascular disease.
8. During the past 65 years, death rates from stomach cancer have dropped dramatically.
9. In the United States, most cancers are due to industrial pollution and second-hand smoke.
10. More than half of cancer deaths in the United States are attributable to diet and smoking.
11. Cigarette smoking is the only form of tobacco that increases risk for cancer.
12. Cigarette smoking is only a risk factor for lung cancer, but does not increase the risk for
cancers located elsewhere, such as the larynx or bladder.
13. Alcohol may protect against cardiovascular disease, but it contributes to the development of
cancer.
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14. The incidence of skin cancer is higher among African Americans than among European
Americans.
15. Psychological interventions have been shown to improve short-term emotional adjustment to
cancer diagnoses but the evidence of psychological interventions prolonging the life span of
people with cancer is less clear.
Essay Questions
1. Differentiate malignant from nonmalignant growths.
2. Evaluate the trends in cancer deaths over the past 100 years in the United States.
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3. Compare the cancer risks for smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, exercise, sun tanning, and
sexual behavior.
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4. What is the contrast between the risk and the perceived risk of smoking for the development
of lung cancer?
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5. Evaluate the role of eating and drinking in the development of cancer.
6. What can a person do to avoid cancer?