About Cancer
Cancer is a general name given to a class of diseases in which normal cells divide uncontrollably. Cancer is not just a singular disease but rather a group of many illnesses. In fact there are more than 100 kinds of cancer that have been identified by scientists. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer and 565, 650 individuals will die of cancer in 2008 in the United States.
Types
Cancer is commonly classified by the organ or body system where the cancer first originates and develops such as the skin, lungs, stomach and brain. Cancer can also be broadly classified according to several main categories: carcinoma is cancer of the skin or organ coverings; sarcoma is cancer of connective or support tissues such as the bones or muscles; leukemia is cancer of a blood-forming tissue; lymphoma and myeloma are immune system cancers and central nervous system cancers.
Causes
The exact cause of an individual's cancer is typically not known. It is known, however, that genetics, diet, age, lifestyle and various environmental elements can increase cancer risk. Age is the most significant risk factor as a majority of cancers occur in those over the age of 65. Tobacco use, exposure to radiation, UV light, sure chemicals or asbestos, some viruses and bacteria (such as the Human Papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer) and poor diet increase cancer risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cancer vary according to the origin of the cancer and disease stage. Major cancer symptoms include a change in appearance of moles or marks on the skin, the development of lumps or thickenings in any part of the body, changes in digestive patterns or blood in the stool, unexplained weight gain or loss, weakness or fatigue and unusual bleeding. Any unexplained or unusual health symptoms should be reported to a physician.
Prevention/Solution
Since the cause of many cancers in unknown, the prevention of these cancers is often an inexact science. Certain cancers, such as those caused by chemical exposure, are preventable by avoiding contact with the environmental elements that induce these cancers. For example, tobacco use is associated with a wide variety of cancers, therefore, avoiding consumption and exposure to tobacco products greatly lowers the risk of tobacco associated cancers.
Considerations
The American Cancer Society reports that the most common cancers in the U.S. include nonmelanoma skin, breast, colon and rectal, lung and prostate cancers. While nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. it is also one of the least deadly with an estimated 1,000 nonmelanoma deaths per 1 million diagnosed cases. The NCI approximates that 20% of men and 15% of women will develop some form of cancer between the ages of 50 and 70.
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