What is Cancer? And what are the types of Cancer?

What is Cancer? And what are the types of Cancer?

The dreaded word. How many of us have not been affected by a family member or friend that had or has cancer? Not many for sure. The good news is that people, including the common patient, are becoming more and more educated on cancers each day. Although many are now treatable, some still have a long way to go, as they can often be fatal.

Pancreatic Cancer Because of the location of the pancreas, pain is not often noticed until the tumor is large, and has spread. This is a problem because by this time, it is almost always inoperable. Chemotherapy may be offered; however, in most cases it extends life by only a short duration. Radiation may help to control pain by lessening the size of the tumor; however, it would not serve as an option to cure. Unfortunately the death rate for pancreatic cancer is high, in the 90 percent range. For anyone that has a history of pancreatic cancer in the family, it is recommended this be discussed with your healthcare provider. There are tests that may be done to look for evidence of cancer, if caught very early it can be treated.

Cancer Types Colon cancer is a very common form of cancer in America. Colon cancer is often cured; however, it needs to be treated early for good results. There are different forms of colon cancer, and there are circumstances that make your risks for developing colon cancer more likely. If you have a family history of this type of cancer, it puts you at a higher risk. Colonoscopies should begin at age 50, or earlier if your health care provider sees it necessary. A colonoscopy is a painless procedure that can save your life, it is certainly worth the few hours it takes to have this done.

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Breast cancer- we hear a lot about breast cancer. While breast cancer often strikes women over 60, it can happen at any age. Another fact many people don’t know is that men can also develop breast cancer, although rare.

Women over 40 should have a mammogram annually. While not exactly a fun event, it's like pushing a round hole in a square peg, it is essential.

There is minimal discomfort, for what could save your life, so well worth it.

Skin cancer- we all know the dangers of the sun and spending hour after hour in it. The best protection against skin cancer is to use a sun protection lotion of SPF 45. Avoid times that burns from the sun are more likely to

occur, 10-3., and always wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face.

Should you ever notice a mole that looks different or has changed in size, have it checked immediately, better safe than sorry.

Lung cancer- the biggest risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. There are other risk factors, working with asbestos, or in a coal mine type environment puts you at higher risk. Never ignore a cough that lasts for more than a few days, and if you smoke, seek help to quit, your lungs can heal over time and lower your risk of developing cancer.

Childhood cancers- this can be very difficult; no parent wants to see their child in pain or even worse to lose them. Many childhood cancers are deadly, and although research is at an all time high, the mortality rate remains high. There are specialty hospitals for children with cancer, and they are equipped to handle cancer and the child, which is very important.

Cancer Statistics The most common cancers are breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, leukemia, endometrial cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

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• The number of new cases of cancer (cancer incidence) is 454.8 per 100,000 men and women per year (based on 2008-2012 cases).

• The number of cancer deaths (cancer mortality) is 171.2 per 100,000 men and women per year (based on 2008-2012 deaths).

• Cancer mortality is higher among men than women (207.9 per 100,000 men and 145.4 per 100,000 women). It is higher in African American men (261.5 per 100,000) and lowest in Asian/Pacific Islander women (91.2 per 100,000). (Based on 2008-2012 deaths.)

• The number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis reached nearly 14.5 million in 2014 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024.

• Approximately 39.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes (based on 2010-2012 data).

• In 2014, an estimated 15,780 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 were diagnosed with cancer and 1,960 died of the disease. • National expenditures for cancer care in the United States totaled nearly $125 billion in 2010 and could reach $156 billion in 2020.

Statistics can provide a lot of information; however, it cannot begin to describe what it's like to lose a loved one. Visit the American Cancer Society online to find out what you can do to help within your community.

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