Courtney Hope - Cancer Health Trends in Arizona

I had the opportunity to talk to Alex, a Cancer Information Specialist, from the American Cancer Society. I focused solely on cancer trends because more and more cases of cancer are emerging every year. I also focused on cancer in Arizona because this is where I plan on living in a few years, and I was interested in seeing how prevalent certain types of cancer were and what the most common types of cancer are in Arizona. I also have family in Arizona, and so I kind of wanted to learn more about the risks they could face. Based on the statistics Alex gave me, in 2013, Arizona will have the 14^th most amounts of new cases of cancer in the United States.

1.   Female Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. It is estimated that there will be 4,660 new cases in 2013 in Arizona. It is the second leading cause of cancer death among women but has decreased over the years.  Some risks that have been identified with breast cancer include gender (female), age (older women), physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. There is also a 90% survival rate for female breast cancer patients which is a very great sign!

2.   Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (besides skin cancer), and is more common in African  Americans than whites. Since 2005, prostate cancer rates have decreased. There will be approximately 4,340 new cases of prostate cancer in Arizona in 2013. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer death among men but is decreasing. The survival rate for a five year cancer patient is almost 100% and for a 15 year cancer patient is 93%. An increased risk of prostate cancer death occur with obesity and smoking.

3.   Lung and Bronchus Cancer

In 2013, in Arizona, there will be approximately 4,250 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer. Lung cancer rates are also decreasing, which is a huge benefit of the increased awareness of the dangers of smoking. Lung cancer causes the most cancer deaths in both men and women (also declining).A year survivor of lung cancer has a survival rate of only 44%. The most important risk factor for lung cancer is, of course, smoking.

4.   Colon and Rectum  Cancer

Colon and rectum cancer is the third most common cancer in all of America; however, in Arizona it is the 4^th most common. In 2013, it is estimated that there will be 2,630 new cases of Colon and Rectum cancer (colorectal). Colorectal rates are decreasing though! Colorectal cancer contributes to 9% of cancer deaths, which has also been declining. The risk increases with age and other risks include (but are not limited to) obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, diet, and physical inactivity. The survival rate of a five year cancer patient is 64%.

5.   Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is very difficult to predict because skin cancer cases are not required to be reported. In fact, there are some skin cancer patients who have multiple diagnoses. Melanoma, is the most likely to spread to other parts of the body, but it is highly curable. Most cases, if detected early enough, are highly curable! It is predicted that in 2013, there will be 1,400 new cases of skin cancer in Arizona. The best ways to prevent skin cancer include protecting oneself from intense sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding sunbathing/tanning beds.