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
January 12 2009 04:46 pm | cancer