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Focus On Cancer: Introduction
According to Cancer Care Ontario, approximately 50% of cancers can be prevented or detected early. Learn what you can do.
 | When it comes to cancer, early screening and managing risk factors are important. We cannot alter our age or family history, but we can change the things that put us at increased risk such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, eating unhealthy, alcohol use, and sun exposure. Acting on this information is important because approximately 50% of cancers can be prevented or detected early (Cancer Care Ontario, 2009). |
What is Cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that attack nearby cells and may spread to other locations in the body. Sometimes the abnormal cells form tumors; however, not all tumors are cancerous. Malignant tumors (cancerous) can spread to other organs, whereas benign tumors (non-cancerous) do not spread to other areas of the body. There are many types of cancer. Typically, they are named after the body part in which they develop (e.g., breast, lung, colon, etc.) or the type of cells that they affect (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, etc.).
How Common is Cancer?
It is estimated that there will be 171 000 new cases of cancer and 75 300 cancer deaths in Canada in 2009 (Canadian Cancer Society, 2009). This does not include the 75 100 new cases and 270 cancer deaths from non-melanoma skin cancers. Non-melanoma skin cancers are reported separately because they result in the least number of deaths but are the most common form of cancer.
Although cancer is most common in people age 50 and older, all age groups are at risk of developing cancer. In fact, cancer rates are expected to rise in adults between the ages of 20 and 59. Approximately 30% (51 000) of new cases and 17% (13 000) of cancer related deaths will occur during the most productive years of employment and child rearing (Canadian Cancer Society, 2009).
Cancer not only affects your health, but also has a large impact on your quality of life. A diagnosis of cancer leads to worry of how your family will be impacted, dealing with side effects of treatment, and for some, fear of dying.
Act Now!
This Focus on Cancer Health Issues Magazine and the Personal Health Guide will highlight important information on how you can reduce your risk of cancer and will increase your knowledge of available screening options. Think about, and plan for, the things that you can do for you and your family to reduce the risk of cancer and/or detect cancer early.
