Fitness, Wellness & Health

Cancer Risk By State

Total number of new cancer cases estimated in the US for 2008 is 1,437,180

How many are in your state?

Let’s find out.

• In California (my state), there is 156,530 new cases, leading the chart
• Florida, 101,920 new case, comes in second
• New York is third with 97,130
• Oregon, 19,230
• Texas, 96,320
• Washington, 32,380
• Nevada, 11,370
• Hawaii, 6,310
• Alaska, 2,650
• Washington DC has the least with 2,560

For a complete list of all cancer cases by state, cancer incidence by sites and by gender, the types of cancers, download the full report here.

Cancer Causes & Symptoms

Lung Cancer Stages

Lung cancer is one of the most deadly diseases for both men and women. Most lung cancers start in the cells that line bronchi, but they can also begin in other areas such as the Trachea (windpipe), bronchioles, or alveoli (the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles. Like any other cancers, lung cancers are thought to develop over the course of many years. They may start as areas of pre-cancerous stages in the lung. At the earlier stage with changes happen within the cells themselves, no mass or tumor is form yet, therefore, they cannot be seen on an x-ray and don’t cause any symptoms. However, these pre-cancerous changes may progress to true cancer. At some point when the cancer cells grow and form a tumor large enough to be seen on x-rays, cells from the cancer may break away from the original tumor and spread (also known as metastasize) to other part of the body. Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease because it often spread far beyond the lung even before it can be detected.

There are two major types of lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). If a lung cancer has both types of cancer, it is called mixed small/large cell cancer. This is not too common.

The two types of cancers are staged and treated differently.

• Non-small cell lung cancers make up 85% to 90% of lung cancers, they are staged from 0 to IV. Stage 0 being the earliest, most treatable and stage IV is most advanced.
• Small cell lung cancers make up 10% to 15% of lung cancers, labeled by Limited Stage Disease (cancer is on one side of the chest) and Extensive Stage Disease (spread beyond one side of the chest)

Here is a general view of the four stages of the non-small cell lung cancer:

• Stage 0: The cancer is found only in the top layers of cells lining the air passages. It has not invaded deeper into other lung tissues and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage I: The cancer is no larger than 3 centimeters (cm) across, has not reached the membranes that surround the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. It has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage II: The cancer is no larger than 3 centimeters, has not grown into the membranes that surround the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. It has spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). It has not spread to distant sites.
• Stage III: The cancer is no larger than 3 centimeters, has not grown into the membrane that surrounds the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. The cancer has spread to lymph nodes around the carina (the point where the windpipe splits into the left and right bronchi) or in the space behind the breastbone and in front of the heart (mediastinum). Affected lymph nodes are on the same side as the primary tumor. The cancer has not spread to distant sites.
• Stage IV: The cancer can be any size and may or may not have grown into nearby structures or reached nearby lymph nodes. It has spread to distant sites.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 1 every 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States will develop cancer sometime during their life. The risk of developing most types of cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, eating a better diet, drinking more clean and fresh water rather than alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. The sooner a cancer is found and treated, the better are the chances for living for many years.

There is far more on the staging of lung cancer to include in this post. For a more detail report on both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer stages, request the Lung Cancer Statistics Report that includes the causes and symptoms, diagnostic, stages, treatment and prevention below.

General Facts Of Lungs Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled damaged cell growth in tissues of the lungs. This growth may spread to other organs, adjacent or non-adjacent tissue beyond the lungs. Lung cancer accounts for one of the most cancer-related deaths in both men and women, is responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide. In 2008, an estimated of 1961,840 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer, accounting for about one-third of all cancer deaths. More women have died each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer sine 1987. After several decade of increase, a female lung cancer death rate is now in a plateau and becomes the second cause of death behind breast cancer. From 1990-1994, death rates among men have decreased by 1.3% per year. Both indicators are good signs showing a decrease in smoking rates over the past 30 years in both men and women.

Just a bit over 215,000 new cases of lung cancer, accounts for an estimated of 15% of all cancer, were diagnosed in 2008. For treatment purposes, lung cancer is classified as small cell or non-small cell. These cells are treated differently. Treatment options vary by type of cells and the stages of cancer. Treatment methods may include one or a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy and surgery. Because the cancer has usually spread by the time it is discovered, radiation and chemotherapy are often used, and if necessary, in combination with surgery.

Common lung cancer symptoms may include shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change, weight loss and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.

Smoking cigarette is no doubt the biggest risk factor to lung cancer. Risk increases with the amount and the duration of cigarette smoking. There are many cancer-causing chemical compounds in tobacco smoke. Smoking cigars and pipes also cause lung cancer even though not as high a risk as smoking cigarette. Second hand smoke, occupational or environmental pollution or exposure to radon, asbestos and certain metals such as chromium, cadmium and arsenic, are factors to risk of lung cancer. Genetic plays an important role in the development of the disease, especially in those with the disease at a younger age.

Early detection has not proved to reduce mortality. Chest X-ray and bronchial passages fiberoptic examination is not too effective in reducing lung cancer deaths.

Between 2000 and 2003, the 1-year relative survival rate has increased to 41% compared to 35% during the 1975 – 1979 period. However, only 15% of all the patients survive past the 5-year relative in all stages of the cancer combined.

Live well, eat healthy, exercise, stay optimist, don’t ever smoke or quit smoking will help prevent getting cancer in the first place.

For a full report on lung cancer statistics, causes and symptoms, diagnostic, stages, treatment, and survival rate, download it here:

List Of Facts About Cancer

What Is Cancer?

• Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, resulting in death if not controlled or treated. Cancer is caused by both external factors such as tobacco, chemicals, radiation… and internal factors such as inherited, mutations, hormones, and immune conditions…
• There are usually 10 or more years time between exposure to external factors and detectable cancer.
• Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

• Cancers that are the results of smoking cigarette and heavy drinking of alcohol could be surely prevented. About 170,000 Americans are expected to die in 2008 due to tobacco use.
• Total cancer deaths expected to occur in 2008 is about 565,650. About 188,000 of those are related to overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, mal-nutrition and could be prevented.
• Many of the more than 1 million skin cancer cases could have been prevented if proper sun protections was used and avoiding indoor tanning
• Cancers that are related to infectious agents, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and many others, and could also be prevented through lifestyle and behavioral changes, vaccines, or antibiotics.
• Regular screening can detect, diagnose and remove cancers at early stage when they are most treatable.

Other Facts:

• Anyone is at risk developing cancer
• The National Cancer Institute estimated that about 10.8 million Americans who have had cancer in the past were alive in January 2004, some were cancer-free and some were still undergoing treatment
• About 1,437,180 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008.
• About 565,650 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day.
• Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US next to heart disease
• Cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths in America.
• The 5-year survival rate of all cancer patients diagnosed between 1996 to 2003 is 66%.
• There are usually four stages of cancer. Stage I being the earliest and stage IV being advanced.
• If cancer cells are present only in the layer of cells where they developed and have not spread, the stage is in situ. If cancer cells have spread beyond the original layer of tissue, the cancer is invasive.

For a complete cancer facts and figures for 2008, get it HERE.

How Many People Die From Cancer Each Year

In 2005, cancer strikes an estimated 1.4 million people in North America. There are about 565,650 Americans expected to die of cancer in 2008, killing more than 1,500 people each day and it is accounted for 1 of every 4 deaths. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart diseases, and if current trends continue, it is expected to be the leading cause of death by the year 2010.

The good news is that early detection, diagnosis and treatment have improved the odds dramatically. In 1995, over 50% of cancer patients survived five years or more after diagnosis and treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates that an additional 25-30% of all cancer deaths could be prevented with earlier diagnosis and treatment.

So what is cancer? Even though it is often referred to as a single ailment such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer etc., cancer actually consists of more than 100 different diseases, all characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can occur in many areas of the body and behaves differently depending on its types and origin. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occurs from metabolism). It often takes ten or more years from exposure to external factors and a detectable cancer.

Cancer is identified by uncontrolled cell division and cell death caused by cumulative damage to important regulatory genes. Generally, multiple genes must be damaged for a cancer to grow and to develop the capacity to spread, also known as metastasis. Cancers that seem to run in families may be hereditary or may signify similar family environmental exposure to substances that cause cell damage such as polluted air, water, soil and to radiation.

If your family history shows that certain diseases have occurred repeatedly in the past, you must be diligent about getting regular screening examinations for these diseases. Check with your doctor for more information about evaluations or cancer screenings.

The best advice to lower cancer risk: Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body’s defenses against cancer. Remove chlorine or chloramine and contaminants from water before drinking or cooking. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.

There is a full report on 2008 cancer statistic that includes the information listed below.

Download the report, go to the pages you want the information on.  I have made a list for your easy navigation:

• Cancer Risk By State,    Pages 5 to 8
• Breast cancer                Pages 9, 10
• Childhood cancer         Pages 11,12
• Colon & Rectum           Page 12
• Leukemia                      Page 13
• Lung & Bronchus           Pages 13, 14
• Lymphoma                    Page15
• Oral Cavity & Pharynx   Pages 15,16
• Ovary                            Page 16
• Pancreas                       Pages 16,17
• Prostate                        Pages 17,18
• Skin                              pages 19, 20
• Urinary Bladder             Page 20
• Uterine Cervix              Pages 20, 21

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) is the condition characterized by abdominal discomfort. It can cause either constipation or diarrhea resulting in bloating and pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by a normal intestinal tract that for some reason contract irregularly – either too forcefully or too gently to move food along. The result is irritation of the digestive tract leading to malabsorption of foods and nutrients. Women are twice as likely to get irritable bowel syndrome than men, and it generally begins after a person turns 25. Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.

The causes for irritable bowel syndrome can vary from person to person, but it seems to affect people with unhealthy lifestyle: high stress, food allergies, or too much high-fat junk food. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can also mimic other serious health problems. Therefore, anyone experiencing abdominal discomfort on a regular basis should consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Irritable bowel syndrome has one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by or associated with a bowel movement
• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both
• Whitish mucus in the stool
• A bloated abdomen
• The feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement

Here is what we suggest you to do to improve or control IBS:

• Have your health-care professional test for food allergy and sensitivity
• Avoid foods that have small seeds, such as raspberries and tomatoes
• Avoid dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and sugars that can irritate the digestive tract
• Learn stress reduction techniques. Seek the help of a professional in stress reduction including biofeedback
• Take a fiber supplement such as psyllium daily or as directed by a health-care professional
• It is essential that you drink at the least one half your body weight in ounces of water every day. If you weight 130 pounds, then you should drink 65 ounces or more each day.

Taking supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex and a few others can also help in improving the condition. These are supplements that may help with your irritable bowl syndrome conditions:

• Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil flaxseed oil
• Fiber
• Passionflower
• Vitamin B complex
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Digestive enzyme
• Peppermint or ginger tea to aid digestion

Cancer Symptoms And What To Do

What are some of the symptoms of cancer?
Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is the primary goal of cancer screening. Cancers that have not spread to adjacent tissue or distant organs can be effectively treated in most cases. Cancer characteristics are dependent on the location and type of cancer.

The warning signs listed below are the most common symptoms noted by cancer patients. Please Note: All of these symptoms may have causes other than cancer and should be diagnosed by a physician or health-care professional:

• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Thickening or lump in breast
• Nagging cough or hoarseness
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
• Persistent, low-grade fever
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Obvious change in a wart or mole
• Pallor
• Unusual tiredness
• Excessive bruising
• Appetite and weight loss
• Unusual and persistent headaches accompanied by visual or behavioral changes
• Nagging pain in the bones or elsewhere that has no apparent cause

What should I do if diagnosed with cancer?
The person diagnosed with cancer and his or her family face important and difficult decisions. Feelings of fear and isolation are normal, but there are many sources of medical, psychological, and financial aid available.

A newly diagnosed cancer patient should be accompanied by one or two close family members or friends during discussions about the disease and treatment. Even though all important decisions ultimately must be made by the patient, the advice and comfort of friends and family provides invaluable emotional support. And during this understandably emotional time, an extra set of ears can be very helpful in making sure the cancer patient understands his or her diagnosis and treatment options.

There are several things a cancer patient and his or her family can do. Some suggestions:

• Optimism and fortitude are very important. Several years ago, Norman Cousins wrote the book Laughter is the Best Medicine outlining his journey through successful cancer treatment. Another excellent book for those undergoing cancer treatment is It’s Not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong, six-time winner of the Tour de France.
• Learn to communicate with people about what is going on in your life. Many studies show that patients who cope best with the stress of cancer are ones who assume responsibility for seeking treatment, ask questions, and participate in the decision-making process. Many people refuse to discuss the disease and its prognosis in order to keep from worrying or burdening others. In reality, silence erects a wall between patients and their families, and candid discussions about the possibility of death can decrease the tension between patients, friends, and families.
• Join a support group and seek help. Many studies demonstrate that cancer patients belonging to support groups contend with the disease better than patients who are isolated. Discussing fears, as well as sharing information about coping strategies, treatments, doctors, hospitals, and other medical resources, enormously benefit cancer patients and their families. Call the American Cancer Society for more information on groups and services in your area. Or go online for information; the American Cancer Society’s website is a good place to start learning about a particular type of cancer and also provides information about local programs.
• Prayer and meditation may also help some people cope with the problems that occur during any illness, especially cancer. Regardless of race, color, or creed, a strong sense of spirituality always helps.

With the advances made in both research and science, nearly half of all cancer patients can expect to be alive and free of any sign of the disease five years after diagnosis. Anxiety and fear cause some people with cancer to delay seeking a diagnosis until the disease has reached an advanced, less treatable stage. And while cancer treatment is feared, recent advances in surgical, radiological, and chemotherapeutic therapies, and improvements in pharmacology which can prevent nausea and pain, have greatly lessened the uncomfortable side effects of cancer treatment.

The bottom line is that cancer must be detected early in order to obtain the highest probability of a cure. However, even persistent cancer (often a chronic disease) can be effectively treated for many years.

The best advice we can give you is this: Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body’s defenses against cancer. Remove chlorine or chloramine, contaminants from water before drinking or cooking. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.

How Does Cancer Start

Cancer can occur in many areas of the body and behaves differently depending on its type and origin. Cancer consists of more than 100 different diseases, all characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer is a major health problem in North America, striking an estimated 1.4 million people a year and rising. It strikes men, women and children in every country of the world and it is the second leading cause of death in the United States.

Every organ in the human body, the lungs, breast, colon, and brain, consists of specialized cells that execute particular functions, such as transport of oxygen, digestion of foods and nutrients, excretion of body wastes, reproduction, etc. In order for each organ to function as it should, exhausted or injured cells must be replaced or repaired. Normal and healthy cells have a code of conduct which dictates when they divide, grow, maintain, or execute a particular function. In healthy adult organs, an equal number of cells are produced in the body each day to replace dead or damaged cells.

In contrast, cancerous cells disregard this code of conduct, causing an imbalance between the number of new cells produced and the number of old cells that die and should be shed. This imbalance eventually leads to an overgrowth of cells that can cause damage in the body. Cancerous cells don’t necessarily grow faster than normal cells, but they live longer and can divide more often during their lifetime than normal noncancerous cells. As a result, cancer cells accumulate and compete for nutrients, space, and territory with normal healthy cells.

Cancers that seem to run in families may be hereditary or may signify similar family environmental exposure to substances that cause cell damage. The lifestyle we lead also has a lot to do with cancer development.

Cancer risk factors:

• Smoking: According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every three cancer deaths in the U.S. is directly linked to tobacco. Other than lung cancer, smoking is also a major factor in causing cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, and bladder. It is said that every cigarette you smoke, you are giving up 15 minutes of your life!
• Environmental exposure: Air pollution caused by industrial plant emissions and automobile exhaust fumes have been linked to cancer formation. Secondhand smoke is the strongest link to air-pollution cancers. Exposure to radioactive emissions from radon in uranium is known to be responsible for the increased risk of lung cancer. Recently, concern has been focused on radon exposure in homes due to airtight insulation; radon can enter the home from the soil, the water, or from building materials.
• Water pollution: Drinking water contains complex mixtures of known and suspected carcinogens including asbestos, metals, radioactive substances, and industrial chemicals. Even the process of treating water may in turn create small quantities of chemicals linked to cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive and regular consumption of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of cancer, particularly of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. An increased incidence of liver cancer has been documented among people with cirrhosis caused by excessive alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
• Diet: Deep-fried, processed foods, high sodium, high fat, high sugar is the norm among most Americans diet today. It is clear that what we eat, or don’t eat, have profound effects on the chances of developing cancer. An estimate that death rates from all cancers in this country could be reduced by more than 33% with practical changes in our dietary habits. Eating at least 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day is the highly recommended.
• Sun exposure: Skin cancer is on the rise because of our love of the sun and a well-tanned body. Use sunscreen to help prevent skin cancers caused by either the direct rays of the sun or the results of tanning salons.

  Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body’s defenses against cancer. Filter the water before drinking. Learn to relax and control stress.Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.