Cancer will become number one killer by 2010, according world cancer report issued by World Health Organization. Heart diseases are now causing highest number of medical deaths in the world. People from poor and developing countries will suffer more due to changing diet habits, smoking and poor health care and non-availability of proper screening procedures. Cancer in 2010 will cause more deaths the combined death toll of AIDS, T.B and Malaria. Lung cancer due to smoking is the major reason for rising cancer deaths as mortality rate is very high in lung cancer. Cervical cancer is the major cause for cancer deaths in women in developing nations due to lack of screening to detect cancer in early stage and lack of vaccination against HPV. Cancer deaths are falling in developed nations due to proper health facilities, decline in smoking habit, regular screening, vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis, better cancer awareness and affordability to take cancer treatment. Adoption of Western habits like eating junk food, lack of exercise and increase in bad habits like smoking and alcoholism are leading causes for increase in cancer in developing nations like India and China. Cancer statistics: 1. About 12 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in this year. 8 million people will die due to cancer in 2008. 2. About 27 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed by 2030, according to World Cancer Report. 17 million deaths occur due to cancer. 3. Lung cancer has highest mortality rate among all major cancers. Cancer and Smoking: 40% of smokers are living in India and China out of 1.3 billion smokers in the world. Smoking causes lung cancer which kills more people than any other type of cancer. Governments of developing nations should provide free screening procedures to all women to prevent deaths from diseases like cervical cancer and breast cancer. They should do mass scale vaccination against Hepatitis and HPV. … [Read more...]
Cancer deaths will rise in elderly patients
Number of cancer patients aged 65 or above would double by 2030, according to World Health Organization. New cancer cases may increase from 10.9 million in 2002 to about 16 million in 2020. Cancer deaths would rise from 6.7 million in 2002 to 10.3 million in 2020. 30% of these cancer deaths are in elder patients aged above 75. Lack of awareness about latest developments in cancer research and treatment options making elder patients are worst sufferers. Another major reason for these deaths is lack of proper treatment. Cancer patients aged above 65 generally not adhere to complex cancer regimes. Memory problems and lack of social support are the reasons behind this non-compliance. Most of these old patients live in socially isolated atmosphere. These patients can’t bear the cost of treatment especially in developing countries. Change in lifestyle habits of people from developing countries is another reason behind this cancer time bomb. Increases in smoking, alcoholism and junk food consumption are triggers for this rise in cancer cases. Governments need to allocate more budget on health expenditure and provide free treatment for patients aged above 65. People from developed countries are utilizing advanced cancer treatments in preventing cancer deaths. But people of developing nations unable to utilize these drug regimes due to lack of awareness and money. According to some reports, 30 African and Asian countries do not even have radiotherapy machines. It is waste to expect quality care in these countries. … [Read more...]
Cancer cases are on rise in Asian countries
Cancer cases are increasing in Asian countries due to increased adaptation of western habits like eating junk foods, smoking and alcoholism even in females. According to some studies, there will be 60% increase in cancer incidence in Asian countries. Increased industrialization (pollution), low literacy rates and poor health care standards are other major reasons for increased cancer rates. Screening tests for cancer are rarely done in poor Asian countries due to low quality of health care. Rising economic standards and globalisation added fuel to the fire. Cancer statistics: 45% of cancer deaths are reported from Asia-Pacific countries. If proper measures are not taken, this will rise to 70% by 2020. China alone accounts for 20% new cancer cases and is the 2nd most cause of medical deaths in China. Due to increased screening and preventive measures, cancer deaths are in decline in Western countries. According to World health organisation (WHO), 40% CANCERS are preventable by good diet habits, exercise and stay away from smoking. Smoking is the major reason for these deaths with Lung Cancer is the number one cancer in Asian countries followed by stomach and liver cancers. Hepatitis B Viral infection is the major reason for liver cancer. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is another cancer causative factor. How to control cancer incidence and prevent cancer deaths? 1. Lack of screening facilities like Mammogram and Pap smear in poor Asian countries. 2. Increase in smoking and Alcoholism in Asian countries especially China and India.3. Non-availability of vaccines against HPV and Hepatitis B in poor countries.4. Poor health care standards and economic standards.5. Expensive chemotherapy is not affordable to poor Asians.6. Low illiteracy levels there by lack of health education.7. Asian Governments need to spend more money to raise health care standards.8. Governments should ban smoking in public places and in movies and relative ads in other popular mediums. Don’t forget 40% cancer cases are preventable. … [Read more...]
12 Myths and Facts about Cancer
These are some of the common myths and facts about cancer: 1. Myth: If your parents have cancer, you will have also got it. Fact: While some cancers are genetic, that does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer. Cancers like Breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer are a few that can be passed down genetically. It is estimated that only 5 to 10% of all cancers are truly hereditary. 2. Myth: Breast cancer is inherited only from mother’s family. Fact: It is not 100% correct. Genes related to breast cancer can also be inherited from the father side and one needs to be vigilant about the check-ups. One might benefit from talking with a genetics professional about possible increase risk for breast cancer and to prevent the risks. 3. Myth: Only women get breast cancer. Fact: Not only women but also men get breast cancer but male breast cancer is uncommon, but may occur. 4. Myth: Some types of cancer can be contagious. Fact: No type of cancer is contagious. However there are to contagious viruses, HPV and Hepatitis C, Which can cause cancer. HPV causes cervical cancer and Hepatitis C causes Liver cancer. Both viruses can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. 5. Myth: All tumors eventually become cancerous and ultimately lead to death. Fact: Many tumors at the beginning are not cancerous. 6. Myth: Electro- magnetic field exposure leads to cancer. Fact: The research showed that there may be risk of brain cancer, leukemia, Lymphomas and breast cancer, due to residential exposures to electric and magnetic fields ( televisions, microwave ovens and electric blankets). But most findings have been inconclusive. 7. Myth: Wearing antiperspirants and deodorant can cause cancer. Fact: There is no evidence that wearing them can cause breast cancer. (This myth is most popular among women). 8. Myth: Electronic devices, like cell phones, cause cancer. Fact: Some studies showed a link with certain rare type’s brain tumors with the use of cell phones. But there is no consistent association between cell phone use and brain cancer. Research is still going on. 9. Myth: Cancer causes hair loss. Fact: Cancer does not cause hair loss. But in some patients hair loss is a side effect of cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 10. Myth: Cancer almost always leads to a painful death. Fact: Many cancers cause no pain, at least until the final stages and in most cases pain can be managed. 11. Myth: Eating meat cooked on a charcoal grill will not cause cancer. Fact: Meat or chicken fried at a very high temperature is most problematic. So don’t take them regularly. The best approach may be to enjoy grilled meats occasionally. The chemicals created by grilling meats are called heterocyclic amines which are formed during grilling, broiling or even searing meat in a very hot frying pan. 12. Myth: Cancer cannot be prevented. Fact: 2/3 of all cancers may be preventable if we avoid taking tobacco, alcohol etc and taking a healthy diet and doing exercise regularly. Governments and Social organizations should try to increase cancer awareness among patients and common people. Advances in Cancer research and treatment are helping to prevent cancer deaths if we detect them early. We can prevent many of the cancer deaths with regular screening tests and early detection. Prevention is better than cure. Source: Indian Express … [Read more...]
Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Incidence of Oral Cancer: 4, 81,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. In the United States alone, 34,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in 2007. In America, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. Oral cancer is the most common cancer in India-accounting to 38% of the total cancers. In India, 70% of men and 20% of women use tobacco in one form or other. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and floor of the mouth. Risk Factors: 1. Tobacco Use: Most common cause for oral cancer. Nicotine: It is the addictive substance found in Tobacco. Bidi smoking is more harmful than Cigarette smoking. Hookah is not safe because Carbon Monoxide is not absorbed in water. 2. Alcoholism: Smoking and Alcoholism accounts for 70% of oral cancer cases. 3. Sun Exposure: Lip cancer is mainly due to excessive sun exposure. 4. History of head and neck cancer 5. Chronic irritation due to poorly fitting dentures. 6. Human Papilloma virus infection Signs and Symptoms of Oral cancer: 1. White and Red patches in the mouth 2. Bleeding in mouth 3. Non-healing sore on the lip or mouth. 4. Difficulty in swallowing. Oral Cancer Treatment: Treatment depends on the patient age, spread of the disease and medical history. 1. Surgery 2. Chemotherapy – Fractional dose chemotherapy. 3. Radiation therapy – Intensity modulated radiation therapy. Oral cancer prevention: Tobacco in any form (smoking, chewing, and rubbing) should not be used. Betel leaf and nuts should not be used. Regular dental checkups are necessary. Remove ill fitted dentures. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
Breast Cancer Statistics
Incidence of Breast Cancer: In 2006 alone, an estimated 212,920 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in American women. Worldwide, more than a million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, accounting for 1/10th of all new cancers and 23% of all female cancer cases. Breast cancer incidence is high in developed countries compared to developing countries of Africa and Asia. Change in life style and diet habits are the major reasons for increase in Breast cancer cases. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. In 1975, the incidence (the number of new cases) of breast cancer was 107 per 100,000 for white women and 94 per 100,000 for black women. In 2003, the number of new cases per year had risen to 129 per 100,000 for white women and 121 per 100,000 for black women The number of new cases of breast cancer in males per year increased from 43 in 1983 to 84 in 2002. The average age of first diagnosis was 60 years for a woman and 66 years for a man in 2002. Each year almost 44,100 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the UK, 43,760 female cases and around 335 cases diagnosed in males. The incidence of breast cancer in Japan is much lower than in the USA or the UK. But the incidence of breast cancer in Japanese women living in the USA is the same as for the general population of American women. So, Lifestyle and diet habits play major role than geographical area. Mortality: Breast cancer causes more than 12,500 deaths each year in the UK. Top 10 causes of death of women in United States: 1. Heart diseases. 2. Brain Stroke. 3. Lung Cancer 4. Respiratory Diseases. 5. Alzheimer’s disease.6. Breast Cancer 7. Diabetes Mellitus 8. Accidents9. Influenza and Pneumonia 10. Colorectal Cancer With simple modification to our life style and diet habits, we can decrease the incidence of the Breast cancer. With Mammogram and regular self checkups, we can decrease the mortality rate of Breast Cancer. … [Read more...]
February 4: World Cancer Day
The International Union against Cancer (UICC) and its member’s organizations in over 80 countries are dedicating World Cancer Day 2007 to detect and prevent cancer in the adults by targeting children. More than 90 million people may die due to cancer in the next 10 years if necessary preventive measures are not taken. World cancer day is an annual event is being observed on February 4th every year. Theme for World cancer day 2007 is “Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s World”. It aims to spread awareness about problems due to changing dietary habits and a path breaking vaccine for cervical cancer. The annual World Cancer Day (WCD) on 4 February 2007 marks the anniversary of the first World Summit against Cancer held in Paris on 4 February 2000 where the Millennium Charter of Paris 2000 was launched. Cancer Statistics: Globally more than 10 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year and it is estimated that there will be 15 million new cases every year by 2020. Cancer causes more than 6 million deaths every year worldwide. Lung cancer and Breast cancer account for 1.3 and 0.5 million deaths respectively. Cancer is the second highest cause of death in children between the ages of 1-14 years. As per official statistics, more than 1, 60,000 children are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Fortunately, childhood cancers are twice curable than adult cancers. 25-40 age group accounts for 25% of all cancer patients. Solid organ tumors, which occur in this age group are usually genetic in nature and depending on the grade and behavior of the tumor it is observed that prognosis is poor. Stage-1 cancer in a 50-year old is 90% curable, but a similar cancer in a 30-year old is around 70% curable. Worldwide, cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths for women. According to the FDA there are 470,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths each year. Every 1 in 12 women worldwide are suffering from breast cancer. New age women are reluctant to breast feed their babies is the major factor behind this increase in breast cancer cases. Cancer Prevention: More than 40%of cancer cases are preventable. Smoking and Obesity are the two main preventable causes. Environmental pollution and some viral infections like human papilloma virus are the other preventable causes. Changing diet habits towards fast foods and high calorie diet is gradually raising cancer cases in the high socio-economic groups. Tobacco use is the most common cause of preventable cancer deaths. Tobacco use alone accounts for some 1.5 million cancer deaths per year. More than 70% of cancer deaths occur in low income group people as they do not have necessary financial resources to undergo screening tests and use costly drugs. Vegetarian diet and fruits play a major role in preventing cancer. Stay away from fast foods, smoking and prevent the cancer. Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Gardasil, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV) strains 6, 11, 16 and 18 which account for 70% of all cervical cancers. The vaccine is approved for use in females 9-26 years of age. Cervarix is an investigational vaccine that protects against 2 strains of HPV (16 and 18) that cause cervical cancer. This vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline is waiting for approval. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
Cancer sites guide
Even after so much advance in oncology (study of cancer), Cancer is still most dreaded disease. This Guide is mainly for cancer patients and their Families. Best Cancer sites: Best Cancer Site - Association of Cancer Resources It includes information about Cancer types, Treatment Options, Mailing Lists, Support Resources and Clinical Trails. Must Visit Site. Cancer Information and Support Best site. It includes cancer information, cancer types, Treatment options, Message boards and best cancer directory. It has cardiac Risk assessment, Ideal weight calculator and Life span calculator. Virtual Cancer centre - Very good site from Australia. University Of Michigan - Comprehensive cancer resources.Cancer Support Groups and Forums. Wellness Community - Cancer Support and Education community. Living With Cancer - Supporting Forums, Blogs and chat. American Cancer Community - Must visit for Americans. Canadian Community based voluntary organization. NCCS - Information about cancer survival and Care. Cancer Directories: Breast Cancer Cancer Resources Inspirational Stories from Cancer Winners Share the Hope - University of Michigan Cancer Centre. Living With Cancer - Information, Photographs ad Poetry. Coping with Cancer - A Carer's story. Cancer Magazines and Journals: British Journal of Cancer - Free Online Sample is available. … [Read more...]
Must Read : Cancer Vixen
Time Magazine selected this book as an inspiring and must read book. Cancer Vixen becomes a lesson on how staying fabulous can help save your life. This book was wriiten by MARISA ACOCELLA MARCHETTO who was once a breast cancer patient. This book is a funny, eye opening and moving memoir. Visit website. About the book: What happens when a shoe-crazy, lipstick-obsessed, wine-swilling, pasta-slurping, fashion-fanatic, single-forever, about-to-get-married big-city girl cartoonist with a fabulous life finds . . . a lump in her breast?” That’s the question that sets this powerful, funny, and poignant graphic memoir in motion. In vivid color and with a taboo-breaking sense of humor, Marisa Acocella Marchetto tells the story of her eleven-month, ultimately triumphant bout with breast cancer—from diagnosis to cure, and every challenging step in between. But Cancer Vixen is about more than surviving an illness. It is a portrait of one woman’s supercharged life in Manhattan, and a wonderful love story. Marisa, self-described “terminal bachelorette,” meets her Prince Charming in Silvano, owner of the chic downtown restaurant Da Silvano. Three weeks before their wedding, she receives her diagnosis. She wonders: How will he react to this news? How will my world change? Will I even survive? And . . . what about my hair? Please comment on this Cancer book. … [Read more...]
