Deadliest Cancers We Still Have To Beat

We all know that cancer is a leading cause of deaths throughout the world. In spite of all available research and technology, mankind still has to beat a few types of cancer that continue to cause millions of deaths annually.

Cancer is a condition characterized mainly by the uncontrolled growth, proliferation, and spread of abnormal cells. Death usually results from the uncontrolled spread of these abnormal cells, leading to complications. The disease is usually detected many years after one is exposed to certain risk factors that may consist of internal (within the individual) or external (environmental) factors.

Cancer Facts and Statistics

It estimates that new cancer cases will increase from 14 million in 2012 to 22 million within the next twenty years.

WHO also reports that most new cases of cancer (60%) and cancer deaths (70%) occur in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. Each year, the leading causes of deaths from cancer worldwide involve lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and breast cancers.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 Americans will die of the disease in 2014, and about 1.6 million new cases will be diagnosed.

The most common types of cancer in the US are breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Deadliest Cancers

The deadliest cancers in worldwide statistics (2012) are:

• lung cancer (1.59M deaths)

• liver cancer (745,000 deaths)

• stomach cancer (723,000 deaths)

• colorectal cancer (694,000 deaths)

• breast cancer (521,000 deaths)

• esophageal cancer (400,000 deaths)

In the USA, the American Cancer Society reports that the most number of deaths due to cancer (2010) are caused by:

• lung and bronchus cancer (159,000 deaths)

• colon cancer (50,000 deaths)

• breast cancer (40,000 deaths)

• pancreatic cancer (39,000 deaths)

• prostate cancer (29,000 deaths)

Lung cancer remains to be the deadliest cancer for both men and women. However, the incidence rates (number of new cases being diagnosed) has been decreasing since the 80s in men and in the 2000s in women. Death rates have also continued to decline in recent years.

It may be a bit comforting to note that the number of deaths from cancer is declining over the years. The number of people surviving the disease for at least five years from the time they are diagnosed (5-year survival rate) is also increasing. This may reflect the progress medicine has attained in diagnosing cancers at their early stages and in treating them. However, survival rates vary greatly according to the type of cancer and the stage when they are diagnosed.

See Also: Health Insurance for Cancer Patients

Experts believe that the key to reducing one's risk of developing cancer is to avoid exposure to potential external factors that have been found to be associated with the disease. Studies suggest that more than a third of cancer deaths may be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. Internal factors associated with cancer, such as age, sex, racial characteristics, and genetics cannot be modified, but we can reduce our chances of acquiring the disease by knowing more about what we can do to avoid it.

Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer

WHO studies show that about a third of all cancer deaths are due to poor lifestyle and dietary factors. These include:

• tobacco use

• overweight and obesity

• lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet

• lack of physical activity

• alcohol abuse

Of these, tobacco use has been found to be the most significant risk factor. It is linked to about 70% of deaths from lung cancer and 20% of deaths from all cancers.

In middle- and low-income countries, viral infections from hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to up to 20% of deaths from cancer. Infections from these viruses are associated with unhealthy sexual practices, blood transfusion, and drug abuse.

Avoidance of these risk factors can help reduce one's risk of cancer. The most important preventive strategies doctors emphasize include eating a healthy, balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

High-risk individuals are also advised to receive vaccinations against HPV and HBV, which are linked to cervical cancer and liver cancer.

Reduce Your Risk of Dying from Cancer

Anybody can develop cancer – young or old, healthy lifestyle or not. However, your risk of acquiring the disease increases with age, as well as your having a family history of the disease. Certain racial factors also influence your likelihood that you might get a specific type of cancer.

Studies suggest that early detection and prompt treatment can help reduce deaths from cancer and increase one's chances of survival. Many types of cancer are amenable to treatment, especially when caught in their early stages.

Screening for Cancer

This method of finding high-risk individuals uses screening tests in a systematic way to a population that does not manifest symptoms of cancer. Its aim is to identify those with abnormalities that suggest a specific type of cancer or pre-cancer stages, even before signs and symptoms appear. Screening can then help doctors diagnose and treat cancer promptly.

Screening programs are effective for common types of cancers for which a cost-effective and acceptable screening test is available to most people. Cancer screening methods include:

• PAP test to detect cervical cancer

• mammography for breast cancer

• colonoscopy for colorectal cancer

• digital rectal exam for prostate cancer

Some doctors do not believe that screening tests are necessary or effective, and suggest that these may even have risks.

However, many doctors believe that screening for cancer, especially in people who have risk factors such as family history, genetic disposition, age, and lifestyle factors may help get them early treatment if they are found to have cancer.

See Also: Physical Activity Reduces Chances Of Cancer

Early Diagnosis

People who have chronic symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits or persistent cough must visit their doctors to get a proper evaluation of their condition. Health education to increase people's awareness of the early symptoms of cancer can help promote early diagnosis and treatment before the disease spreads. This is a very important factor in reducing cancer mortality rates and in increasing survival rates.

Ask your doctor about cancer screening tests. Better still, make a healthy lifestyle your best strategy to avoid the big C.