The 5 Most Dangerous Types of Cancer
There are almost fifteen million people living with some form of cancer at any point in time throughout America today. It’s a deadly disease that nobody wants to ever encounter, neither yourself or someone close to you. But the statistics tell us that this fifteen million equates to 38.5% of men and women that will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Researchers are putting forth their best efforts to combat this nasty killer and they’ve even made some progress in recent years. But it’s important to know what the most dangerous cancer is that might be lurking in your biological clock. There are several, of course.
In this article, we’re discussing the top five cancers that take the lives of over 20,000 people per day, on average. Keep reading to learn more.
The Top Five Dangerous Cancer Types
Even with new scientific discoveries and cures for some types of cancer, it still remains the number 2 cause of death in the United States. Heart disease is the number one killer.
These are the five types of most dangerous cancers.
Lung Cancer
Smoking is the number one reason for lung cancer in America today. People who are often exposed to radon and other chemicals such as asbestos, tar, or soot, are also susceptible to this form of the disease.
Lung cancer is easiest to treat when caught early but scientists are trying to find new ways to help delay the disease using the immune system itself.
Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is more common in people over age 65 with a family history. People that smoke, drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, and/or are obese may also be susceptible to this ugly cancer.
There are screening tests available and the odds of survival are good if it’s caught early. In the meantime, scientists are trying to find ways to better predict colorectal cancer and how it will spread.
Breast Cancer
Men and women are both susceptible to this form of cancer, though it’s more common in women. There are various factors why certain women are more likely to get the disease, including family history.
Screening tests are available to search for and detect tumors before they spread and women are generally recommended to have this done by age 50. Yearly checkups are recommended after menopause.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and runs in families. People that struggle with obesity and/or smoke are also more likely to get the disease.
There are no screening tests for this type of cancer but researchers are hoping to find ways to create genetic tests that will screen people in families struck by the disease.
Prostate Cancer
Men are at risk for prostate cancer after age fifty and should have regular checkups and discussions with their doctor, especially if it runs in the family. African American men are more susceptible to the disease but doctors and scientists don’t yet know why.
The prognosis is generally good if the cancer is found early. Scientists are looking for ways to detect the disease early, such as with urine and blood tests.
Final Thoughts
As with any dangerous cancer, there are risks associated with treatment and outcomes are not always positive. Death rates have declined in recent decades with new science that wasn’t available before.
Doing your part to stay cancer-free may not be so difficult after all. Doctors recommend lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, don’t smoke and keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can’t prevent cancer, but it can help your immune system be better prepared for an attack.
