cancer facts

cancer facts

Lung cancer facts

    Lung cancer is the number-one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the U.S. and worldwide.
    Cigarette smoking is the principal risk factor for development of lung cancer.
    Passive exposure to tobacco smoke also can cause lung cancer.
    The two types of lung cancer, which grow and spread differently, are the small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC).
    The stage of lung cancer refers to the extent to which the cancer has spread in the body.
    Treatment of lung cancer can involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as well as newer experimental methods.
    The general prognosis of lung cancer is poor, with overall survival rates of about 16% at five years.
    Smoking cessation is the most important measure that can prevent the development of lung cancer.

Colon cancer facts

    Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.

    Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males and fourth in females in the U.S.

    Risk factors for colorectal cancer include heredity, colon polyps, and long-standing ulcerative colitis.

    Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.

    Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Therefore regular screening is important.

    Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer tissue.

    Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the health of the patient.
    Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.

    Chemotherapy can extend life and improve quality of life for those living with colorectal cancer.