Cancer: Everyone Should Know What Is Cancer?

Cancer: Everyone should know what is cancer

Cancer is a term used to describe a collection of diseases that have one common trait: they promote the growth of abnormal cells that invade body tissues. There are over 100 types of cancer, and these cancers can spread to different organs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Cancer is diagnosed according to where it originated. For example, cancer that originates in the thyroid is called thyroid cancer even if it has spread to other areas of the body.

1. Cancer begins in the cells and can be categorized into a few basic types according to the type of cell in which it began to grow.
2. Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood marrow and other blood-forming tissues.
3. Sarcoma is a cancer that grows in connective or supportive tissue such as fat, bone, cartilage, muscle, or blood vessels.
4. Myeloma and lymphoma are types of cancers that form in the cells that make up the immune system.
5. Carcinoma originates in the skin or the tissues that cover internal organs.
6. Central nervous system cancers affect the spinal cord or brain.

Cancer Statistics

Cancer is prevalent in our modern society. Since exposures to certain chemicals and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of cancer, the disease is often found in clusters. Some types of cancers are more common among men and others among women. Certain races have a higher incidence of particular cancers. Those who work with toxic substances and those who smoke have a higher cancer risk as well. The median age at which cancer is diagnosed is 66 in the US, and the median age for cancer deaths is 72. It is estimated that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer at some point in their lifetimes.

1. The top five types of cancer diagnosis in men are prostate, lung, colon, bladder, and skin.
2. The top five deadly cancers in men include lung, prostate, colon, pancreas, and leukaemia.
3. The top five cancers in women include breast, lung, colon, uterus, and thyroid.
4. The top five deadly cancers in women include lung, breast, colon, pancreas, and ovary.
5. The highest incidences of cancer are ranked as follows, prostate, breast, lung, colon, and uterus.
6. The top five deadly cancers for both genders include lung, prostate, breast, colon, and pancreas.

Cancer Causes And Prevention

Cancer statistics are sobering, but there is good news. Many cancers are treatable when caught early. Regular doctor visits are important, especially for the ageing population. Colon cancer is one of the deadly cancers, but when caught at an early stage it is totally reversible. There are many causes of cancer that include heredity, exposure to toxic substances, sun exposure, poor food and diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Cancer prevention begins by implementing physical activity and adhering to a healthy, nutritious diet.

The CDC recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-level intensity exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of intense exercise three days a week. The key is to be consistent and get plenty of exercise every day. It is also recommended to eat whole, natural foods and limit the amount of refined and processed foods that contain additives. It is also very important to avoid smoking, limit alcoholic drinks, and learn how to manage stress. By living a healthy lifestyle, and having regular health check-ups, you have a better chance of overcoming cancer or warding it off altogether.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/cancerlibrary/what-is-cancer
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/uscs/toptencancers.aspx
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/physicalactivity