Basic HTML Version
6
HEALTHY LIFE: CANCER
August 29-30, 2012
By STOVER HARGER
Pamplin Media Group
A
cancer diagnosis can be devastat-
ing, causing fear and pain, while
raising many questions and con-
cerns. As doctors and scientists
work toward fighting cancers, new revela-
tions come into light about treatments, pre-
vention tactics and an overall understanding
of the devastating diseases, which as a
whole are the cause of 25 percent of all
deaths in the United States.
But health experts believe one of the best,
and simplest, ways the average person can
help the battle against cancer is education.
Here are some of the most recent statistics
and latest findings on some of the most com-
mon types of cancers.
■
Prostate cancer
ESTIMATED NEW CASES IN 2012: 241,740
Prostate cancer is the top cancer killer for men
older than 75.
Because of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests,
more and more prostate cancers are discovered in
men before any symptoms are observed. However,
based on findings in clinical trials of these PSA
screenings, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
has taken a critical look at the practice for middle-
aged men. The agency, backed by health experts,
states that PSA-based screening programs often
discover tumors that will not progress significantly in
a person’s life and the screening can, in fact, cause
more harm than good because of overdiagnosis,
pain and potential infection.
While there is no consensus regarding what treat-
ments are best, many call for “watchful waiting,” an
active surveillance of symptoms for the often slow-
growing cancer.
There is no specific cause identified as creating
prostate cancer, but as with other such diseases,
experts recommend a healthy lifestyle, including a
diet full of nutritious fruits and vegetables and low in
fat derived from animals.
■
Breast cancer
ESTIMATED NEW CASES IN 2012: FEMALE:
226,870, MALE: 2,190
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for
women with an estimated 1.6 million yearly diagno-
ses in the world.
For nearly 30 years, the rate of breast cancer
diagnoses was on the rise, likely because of an
increase in mammography screenings, according to
the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer
research and advocacy organization. But since
2003, the incidence rate for early-stage breast can-
cer has stabilized.
The mammogram is a tool to screen for cancer
for those with no symptoms. Doctors say these
screenings can help with early detection, giving a
head start for treatments.While it is helpful to check
your own breasts for lumps and bodily changes, the
National Cancer Institute warns that self-exams
should not replace regular screenings.
Women 40 and older should have a mammo-
gram every one or two years. A November 2009
study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality concluded that mammography screenings
reduce breast cancer mortality rates for women
between 39 and 69 years of age.
■
Lung cancer
ESTIMATED NEW CASES IN 2012: 226,160
Lung cancer is considered the deadliest form of
cancer for both sexes. An estimated 160,340
Americans are expected to die from the disease,
with most of those over age 45.
Studies have linked smoking cigarettes as the
leading cause of lung cancer, but those who have
never smoked can still get the disease. Exposure to
certain chemicals, asbestos, air pollution and radia-
tion therapy are all believed to increase your risk.
This year, the American Cancer Society, American
Society of Clinical Oncology and other large cancer-
related groups published a report in the Journal of
the American Medical Association that recommend-
ed smokers and former smokers between 55 and
74 who have smoked for at least 30 years get an
annual LDCT scan. This low-dose CT scan takes a
detailed look at the lung to spot cancer. However,
even though the dose of radiation is relatively low,
there is still a slight health risk with the scan. Early
detection of lung cancer is one of the best ways to
help treatment, and therefore, increase chances of
survival.
The American Lung Association emphasizes that
chest X-rays should not be used for lung cancer
screening. Neither those X-rays or sputum cytology
(mucus tests) decrease the risk of dying from lung
cancer, according to National Cancer Institute.
■
Colorectal cancer
ESTIMATED NEW CASES IN 2012: COLON CAN-
CER: 103,170; RECTAL CANCER: 40,290
Since 1975, rates of incidence and death for
colorectal cancer has significantly dropped in the
U.S., likely because of risk factor adjustments and
screening methods used in recent years. In 1975,
60 people per 100,000 were diagnosed with either
a colon or rectum cancer, but in recent years that
number has dropped to 45 out of every 100,000.
Most cancers of the colon start as polyps, harm-
less growths. Colonoscopy remains the best test for
detecting these pre-cancerous growths, which can
be removed before becoming dangerous, according
to Brian Applebaum, a doctor with the
Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon. Applebaum
attests that due to a lack of symptoms, colorectal
cancers can remain undetected until it is too late.
That’s why he and other experts suggest those with-
out symptoms get a screening colonoscopy every
10 years, beginning at age 50. Early evaluations are
recommended for those who have a family history
of cancer or who have bleeding or other bowel
changes.
■
Bladder cancer
ESTIMATED NEW CASES IN 2012: 73,510
There is no exact cause of bladder cancer known,
but exposure to cigarette smoke, chemicals and
radiation appear to increase your likelihood of
developing the disease. In addition, chronic bladder
infections can lead to a specific type of bladder
cancer, states the A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.
A landmark study was published this April in the
New England Journal of Medicine that found adding
The
MOST COMMON FORMS
of
CANCER
In 2012, an estimated 1.63 million people will be diagnosed with a cancer, excluding the
less lethal forms of skin cancer, according to a recent American Cancer Society report.
Of that number, 21,370 are living Oregon.
COURTESY OF SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE
Past participants in the Portland Race for the Cure rally to the cause. The race, set for Sept. 16 this year, raises significant funds and awareness for the
breast cancer movement. It’s a time to celebrate survivors and their families while working toward the promise of ending breast cancer forever.