Last year I watched a TV fund raising show for cancer research by “Stand up 2 Cancer” which was formed in 2008. It was not so much the Hollywood stars – but the cancer statistics (from the American Cancer Society) which flashed on the screen which caught my attention ~ staggering.
Cancer Statistics
- 28,000 men die per year in the USA from prostate cancer
- African-American men have twice the chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer
- 3 people per minute are diagnosed with cancer
- Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the USA
- $895 billion is spent per annum on cancer
- 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetimes
- Melanoma is the most common cancer especially among caucasians
More Statistics
- There are 13.7 million cancer survivors in the US
- 30% of all cancers are diet related
- Many cancers are hereditary
- Healthy living, diet conscious, non cigarette smoking individuals also succumb to cancer
- New cures are being discovered which are immune based
- The 5 year survival rates (for all cancers) is now 67% (2001 – 2007)
- It is predicted that by the year 2030 - 13 million people around the world will die from cancer. These numbers are double those in the year 2008
Even as a general guideline this statistical information was overwhelming:
- The diet related statistic was much higher than I would have thought
- It was good to hear the recommendation “don't eat processed food”- but to eat a fruit and vegetable based diet, and
- The statement “don't smoke” ~ all on public television.
Prevention is the best cure for cancer ~ Liz
Recommendations
A disturbing fact is that there appears to be a huge increase in cancers for all ages especially children. Hopefully the statistics and stories on this TV show will raise international awareness of this devastating disease. Early diagnosis is critical, as many cancers are potentially curable. It's time for a New Year resolution for medical check ups for :
- Breast cancer : starting at age 40 - annually
- Prostate cancer : starting at age 50 - annually
- Colorectal or polyps - starting age 50
If there is any history of cancer in your family, medical recommendations are that adult children (or sometimes siblings) of the cancer patient should have a related examination at least ten years earlier than recommended; for example the daughter of a breast cancer survivor should have her first mammogram at age 30 and not 40.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year.
“1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes”
- Standup2Cancer website
In memory of a beautiful lady80 - 90% of all lung cancers are caused by smoking.
Notes
- The above statistics are all for the USA
- Epigenetic therapy and cancer
- Immunotherapy for cancer treatment
- 100% of funds raised by this organization are used for research
- Exercise, along with diet, is very important in cancer prevention and recurrence especially breast and prostate cancers
- A high percentage (around 70%) of all new cancers, especially lung and breast, occur in the 50 to 79 year age group
Links & References
- Who is "Stand up 2 Cancer"
- USA cancer statistics from 2008
- American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancers (not necessarily the same in other countries) such as breast, prostate and colon
- There are lots of ways to support cancer research in Canada - The Enbridge Ride June 2013
- CAP article Time for a Change (published June 2011)
- CAP article on “get the sugar out” Honey Honey (published November 2010)
- CAP book review – on diet and exercise for kids (published August 2011)
Even if it burns a little bit low at times,
The secret of life is
always to keep the flame of hope alive
~ Barbara Johnson
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