Know the Different Types of Cancer

The information on "types of cancer" given here is not to be used for diagnosis. You must always consult your Doctor for any medical problem. Note that a cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed early.

1. Lung cancer
   Number one cause of cancer deaths each year. It is the most preventable cancer. If one has been smoking for several years and stops smoking at the age of 50, his life may prolong by about 6 years.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 14 percent. 85% of paitents die within 5 years of their diagnosis.
   
   Cause: more than 90 percent of lung cancer cases are caused due to cigarette smoking. Cigarette contains more than 4000 chemical compounds including 60 carcinogenes. About 50% of lung cancer patients in US are former smokers and additional 35% are current smokers (July 2006).
   Note that people who quit smoking at the age of 50 reduce their risk of dying over the next 15 years 50% compared with those who do not quit.

2. Prostate cancer
   Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. 1 in 6 American contracts this type of cancer at some stage in their life. It is often in people over 65 years of age. This cancer can be detected early by the blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) and rectal examination.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 85 percent.
   
   Cause: The cancer of prostate cancer are caused by a diet low in fiber and high in fat.

3. Colorectal (colon and/or rectum) cancer
   Cancer of the colon and/or rectums the third in number of deaths each year. This type of cancer is often in people over 50 years of age.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 92 percent, if detected and treated early, 10 percent with delay.
   
   Cause: The cancer of colon and/or rectum are caused by a diet low in fiber and high in fat.

4. Breast cancer
   The breast cancer is mostly in women, one out of every eight women are affected by it. About 1500 males are also diagnosed with breast cancer each year. This is one of the most detectable and curable cancers. Women of age over 50 years can have this cancer.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 90 percent, if detected and treated early.

5. Uterine cancer
   More than eight percent of cancer cases in women are Uterine cancer.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 95 percent, if detected and treated early.

6. Melanoma
   Skin cancer is highly curable. A change in the size or color of a mole or unusual growth on the skin are the warning signs of skin cancer.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 60 percent, if malignant melanoma spreads to other parts of body.
   
   Cause: Excessive exposure to the sun, and sunburn in early ages are the reasons.

7. Leukemia
   Leukemia is diagnosed in about 30,000 people including children each year.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 40 percent.
   
   Cause: Unknown.

8. Ovarian cancer
   Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. Ovarian cancer shows no early signs.
   
   5 Year Survival Rate: 46 percent.

9. Mesothelioma cancer
   Mesothelioma cancer involving mesothelial cells of an organ of the body, usually the lungs or stomach and other abdominal organs.
   
   Survival Time: 4 to 24 months for pleural mesothelioma, however, some victims have survived for several years with proper care.
   
   Cause: Exposure to asbestos.

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The content on this website is reviewed regularly and is updated when new information is made available. The information provided is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your Doctor.