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6.1 identify and describe the main features of epidemiology using lung cancer as an example
identify and describe the main features of epidemiology using lung cancer as an example
- Epidemiological studies need to investigate cause and effects of a disease. To be valid they must:
- focus on large groups of people rather than individuals and relate to a target population that can be identified. This allows statistics to be used to identify trends and possible causative factors.
- use populations where there is occurrence of the disease and where there are unequal exposures to the suspected or possible causes. No conclusions about the effect of smoking could be drawn from a group of people who each smoke 20 cigarettes a day
- allow for analysis of factors that might contribute to the occurrence of the disease among those afflicted, such as age, sex, ethnic group, and occupation.
- Trends in lung cancer
NSW Health Department, seem to reflect smoking habits. A general decline in the incidence and mortality rates in males is attributed to decreased tobacco smoking among men.