We do not know many things about cancer, even though research is extensive and ongoing. One of the things we do not know is why some types of cancer are more frequently occurring than other types. Despite this, it is worth learning more about the different types of cancer. In this way, you will be able to take more adequate and timely measures for prevention.
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer. In the Unites States the estimated number of new cases for 2010 is 222,520. The projected number of deaths from this disease is 157,300. This statistical data is quite frightening for one simple reason - the expected deaths are more than half of the newly diagnosed cases.
The surprising fact is that even though it is the most common type, lung cancer is perhaps the most preventable type of all. Anywhere between 85% and 90% of all cases are due to cigarette smoking. A large percentage of the remaining cases are due to passive smoking. In turn, the best way for prevention is to protect your lungs from the carcinogenic substances in tobacco. Nonsmoking can reduce the risk of getting the condition 25 times. A smoker who quits will experience a reduction in the risk to this level 15 years after quitting. For this reason, if you are a smoker you should do your best to quit right away.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer. In fact, some researchers believe that almost every man above the age of 80 has some traces of it. The condition is expected to affect around 217,730 men in America in 2010. The number of deaths for this year is estimated to be 32,050.
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small gland that is right under the bladder. It is close to the rectum as well. For this reason, the condition can be easily spotted during a routine rectal exam. Since the causes of this disease are unknown, regular rectal examinations are the optimal method for prevention. Men over 50 years of age are recommended to have them annually. Other factors that can reduce the risk of prostate cancer include a diet that contains little or no animal fats.
Breast cancer is the third most common type of cancer. It has been estimated that the number of newly diagnosed patients for 2010 in the United States will be over 208,000. Of these 207,090 will be women and 1,970 will be men. Around 39,840 female patients are expected to die from the condition. The number of deaths in men is expected to be around 390.
The causes of breast cancer are unknown. For this reason, there are no effective methods for prevention apart from having regular screenings with mammogram testing. Self-examination is also a method for spotting the condition early. There are some breast cancer risk factors that you can work on to eliminate. These include obesity, above average alcohol consumption and smoking.
Colon and rectal cancer, usually referred to as colorectal cancer is another one of the most common types of cancer. It is expected to affect around 142,570 men and women in the United States in 2010. The estimated number of deaths is 51,370.
The causes of colorectal cancer are unknown. However, the risk of getting this condition can be reduced significantly. Regular screening is recommended to individuals who have or have a family history of colon polyps. A diet rich in dietary fiber, found in fruits and vegetables, can also reduce your risk to an extent. It is important for you to see a doctor, if you notice a change in your bowel habits or blood in your stools. These symptoms can be associated with much less dangerous conditions, such as hemorrhoids, but it is best to get examined just to be on the safe side.
Other common types of cancer include bladder cancer, with 70,530 new cases expected in 2010 in the US, and melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, with 68,130 new cases estimated for 2010. The list is completed by Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic system, kidney cancer, also known as renal cell cancer, thyroid cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer and leukemia.
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