Friday, March 22, 2013

Dan Barnett


I have always been interested in cancer. In the past I have spend many hours researching this disease, I find it extremely interesting. Here are some basic facts that I found after consulting with a representative on ACS hotline as well as in following her direction to spend some time on cdc.gov and cancer.org

Dan Barnett
5 trends in cancer

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the developed world.

Genetics:
Some cancers are linked to genetics, but most are not. Some may think that cancer is more genetically linked due to multiple members of one family having the disease. This is not always the case. Cancer is such a common disease that is not uncommon for more than one family member to become diagnosed. However with this all said, cancer can be genetic.

Tobacco:
Tobacco is one the leading causes of lung cancer. Second hand smoke can also cause cancer. It is more dangerous for those exposed to these toxins to inhale the smoke from the end of the cigarette rather than from the smokes mouth. This is because the toxins coming from the cigarette are more fine and can cause more damage to the body then those coming from the smoker. Overall tobacco use is dangerous and those involved are in high risk of developing cancer.

Diet and Physical Activity:
Our diet and our physical activity have large effects on how much we are able to prevent cancer. 1/3 of American cancer deaths are linked to poor diet, poor exercise and obesity. Besides quitting smoking, managing our exercise and diet are our biggest allies in preventing cancer. One of the best indicators of knowing if you are at a healthy weight is to check your body mass index. Other causes of cancer from our diet include alcohol.

Sun and UV Exposure:
Skin cancer is the most common cancer. Skin cancer is more common then all other cancers combined. Skin cancer takes the lives of nearly half of American cancer deaths. Skin cancer is easy to treat at early notice, but extremely difficult to treat after diagnoses. One positive of skin cancer is that we have a large choice on how likely we are to become diagnosed due to how much we do to prevent.

Other Carcinogens:
There are many other ways an individual can become involved with cancer. Some examples are local pollutions, some medical treatments, and other potentially harmful substances in our homes and at our workplaces. Some of these substances are radon, hair dyes and other products that warn of cancer. Some reasons one may become diagnosed with cancer is from the cancer treatment itself. So when one is first diagnosed with cancer their chances of becoming re-diagnosed later on is more likely. Thus our overall motivation for preventative measures should be increased.

references:

Title
American Cancer Society
Source
2013, 2013, 03/22, cancer.org

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