Fitness, Wellness & Health

List of Facts About Cancer – Breast

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women not including skin cancer. During 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women and about 1,990 new cases in men in the US. Breast cancer rates have decreased about 3.5% per year since 2001-2004 and may reflect the reduction in use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The 2002 publication of the Women’s Health Initiative linked HRT use to increased risk of heart diseases and breast cancer. In addition to invasive breast cancer, there are 67,770 new cases of situ (not yet spread) breast cancer are expected among women in 2008. Situ breast cancer incidence rates have stabilized since the late 1990s, reflecting the recent drop in mammography utilization.

An estimated 40,480 women and 450 men breast cancer patients are expected to die in 2008. Breast cancer ranks second (after lung cancer) as a cause of cancer death in women eve though it has decreased steadily since 1990. Progress in both early detection and improved treatment with contributes to the decrease.

A mammogram can detect earliest sign of breast cancer. The abnormality, painless mass in the breast may not be felt by the woman or a healthcare professional. Other less common symptoms may include persistent changes to the breast: thickening, redness swelling, skin irritation, distortion, tenderness or scaliness. Nipples also have abnormalities like retraction, ulceration, and or spontaneous discharge.

Women have the greatest risk in getting breast cancer. Age is another important factor. Risk can also increased by inherited genetic, a family history of breast cancer, high breast tissue density, and high-dose radiation to the chest, usually related to other medical procedure. Reproductive factors also increase the risk: menstrual periods that start early and or end late in life, prolong use of oral contraceptives, having the first child after age 30 or never have children. If a person is overweight or obese after menopause, use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin combined), inactivity and drinking more than one alcoholic beverages per day, be extra careful because these are factors that increase breast cancer risk. Being active, maintaining a healthy body weight, breastfeeding are all associated with lowering the risk of breast cancer.

The 5-year relative survival rate for malignant cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes or other location outside the breast has increased from 80% in the mid 1900 to 98% today. The recent 5-year survival rate is 84% for cases with cancer has spread regionally. For women with metastases cancer (spread to distant parts of the body), the 5-year survival rate is 27%.

Breast cancer screening has proved to reduce breast cancer mortality. 61% of breast cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage and the 5-year survival rate is very impressive at 98% due to timely access to high quality follow-up and treatment.

Other than genetic gene, there is a lot we can do to prevent cancer development. Maintaining a healthy and balance lifestyle including manage stress, eat right, take vitamins, stay fit and pay attention to the environment where you live and work. The air you breath and the water you drink have a lot to do with your health. About 70% of the bodies’ weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments, sicknesses and cancer development. The quantity and quality of the water you drink are equally important. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit Drinking Water Safety. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies’ weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

List of Fact About Cancer - Lung and Bronchus

Lung cancer is accounted for 15% of all cancer diagnosed. In 2008, an estimated of 215,020 new cases are expected. New incidence rate has declined significantly in men and staying pretty much the same in women after a long period of increase. For treatment purposes, lung cancer is classified as small cell and non-small cell. The majority of lung cancer is non-small cell, makes up almost 90% of all cases.

Lung cancer is the most cancer-related deaths in both men and women, estimated at 161,840 in 2008, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. More women have died from lung cancer than from breast cancer each year. Mortality rates have decreased in recent years in men (2%) and stayed at same level in women after continuously increasing for several decades. These trends may reflect the decrease in tobacco use over the last 30 years.

Lung cancer symptoms may include one or more of the followings: shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change, weight loss, repeated respiratory infection such as recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.

There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 90% of all lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer. Types and stage of the cancer determine treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted biological therapies

Non-small cell lung cancer is staged from 0 - IV and small cell lung cancer is staged by Limited Stage Disease (cancer is in one side of the chest) and Extensive Stage Disease (spread beyond the one side of the chest).

Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Greater risk is associated with the quantity and duration of cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, radiation, air pollution, organic chemicals, certain metals such as chromium, arsenic or cadmium and history of tuberculosis, are also factors contributing to lung cancer.

The survival rate for all stages combined, about 82% of patients with oral cavity and pharynx cancer survive the first year after diagnosis. The 5-year relative survival rate is59% and 10-year is 48%.

Lung cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity including the lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Dentist and primary care doctors can detect cancer at its early stage when it is most curable.

The best way to prevent lung and bronchus cancer is to never start smoking, quit it if you already smoke and stay away from smokers. Living a healthy, active lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, paying attention to the environment where you live and work such as air and water quality, and see your doctor for regular testing and health screening.

Other than genetic gene, there is a lot we can do to prevent cancer development. Maintaining a healthy and balance lifestyle including manage stress, eat right, take vitamins, stay fit and pay attention to the environment where you live and work. The air you breath and the water you drink have a lot to do with your health.

About 70% of the bodies’ weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments, sicknesses and cancer development. The quantity and quality of the water you drink are equally important. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit Drinking Water Safety. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies’ weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?