In 2007 The American Cancer Society estimates
these were 1.4 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in the US.
Here's a table of the top 10
cancers, and the estimated new cases for last year.
|
Prostate
|
231,550
|
|
Breast
|
210,820
|
|
Lung & Bronchus
|
184,990
|
|
Colon & Rectum
|
148,210
|
|
Urinary Bladder
|
63,710
|
|
Melanoma of the Skin
|
61,850
|
|
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
|
60,640
|
|
Uterus
|
40,580
|
|
Leukemia
|
53,840
|
|
Cervix
|
10,100
|
Too often in our hurried life-style we
neglect routine exams. But they could save your life. Our best defense against
cancer at this time is prevention (stop smoking is a good example here), and early
detection. With many cancers the earlier the detection the better the
chance of an actual cure.
General Screening
Even in your 20s
periodic health exams are a good idea. Your health care provider can check the
thyroid, lymph nodes, mouth, breast, ovaries or testes. A skin exam looking
for unusual moles is also in order. Unfortunately, melanoma can occur at any
age.
Breast
Yearly mammograms and
breast exams beginning at age 40. Women should begin monthly breast
self-examinations starting in their 20s. Becoming familiar with the feel of
your own breasts will allow you to see your health care professional promptly
if there are changes. Talk to your doctor if you have a history is breast
cancer in your sisters or mother. Other tests may be needed (such as a breast
MRI) if you are at higher risk
Colon
Beginning at age 50 a
screening examination should include one of the following:
A fecal occult blood test every
year
A flexible sigmoidoscopy every
5 years
A colonoscopy every 10 years
If you have a positive family
history of early colon cancer, start screening earlier.
Prostate
Beginning at age 50 a
prostate exam and a blood PSA test every year is recommended for men who are
expected to live at least 10 years. High risk men should start the testing at
age 45. African American men, and men with a father or one or more brothers
who developed prostate cancer before age 65 are considered in the high risk
category.
Cervix
By age 21 (or sooner if
sexually active) women should begin having Pap smears every 2 years. After age
30, and if 3 Pap tests are normal, the screening can be reduced to once every
3 years. Women may choose to stop testing after a hysterectomy (unless it was
done for cervical cancer) or after the age of 70 when 3 pap exams have been
normal for the past 10 years.