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Definition of Cancer
Cancer is a general term for more than 100 diseases characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. The resulting mass, or tumor, can invade and destroy surrounding normal tissues. Cancer cells from the tumor can spread through the bloodstream or lymph system to start new cancers in other parts of the body.
The American Cancer Society reported that cancer has become the top killer of most Americans, "For the first time, cancer has surpassed heart disease as the top killer of Americans under 85, health officials said."
The following are estimates for 2005 rates of cancer deaths
by type for top
cancers in all ages:
Male |
Female |
Lung 31% |
Lung 27% |
Prostate 10% |
Breast 15% |
Colon and rectum 10% |
Colon and rectum 10% |
Pancreas 5% |
Ovary 6% |
Leukemia 4% |
Pancreas 6% |
Esophagus 4% |
Leukemia 4% |
Liver 3% |
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 3% |
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 3% |
Uterine 3% |
Bladder 3% |
Multiple myeloma 2% |
Kidney 3% |
Nervous system (brain included) 2% |
The American Cancer Society has more information on cancers related to both men's and women's cancers. Download Cancer Facts for Men PDF (180 KB/2 pages) and/or Cancer Facts for Women PDF (78 KB/6 pages) to learn more.
The Nevada Cancer Institute has published the Cancer Fact Sheets PDF (448 KB/5 pages), which has information on Breast, Skin, Colon, Prostate and Cervical cancer. Also available are the Cancer Fact Sheets En Español PDF (456 KB/5 pages).
General Cancer Symptoms
- A lump or thickening in the breast or testicles
- A change in a wart or mole
- A skin sore or a persistent sore throat that doesn't heal
- A change in bowel or bladder habits
- A persistent cough or coughing blood
- Constant indigestion or trouble swallowing
- Unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge
- Chronic fatigue
Assess Your Cancer Risk
The Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention has an interactive website that can help you assess your potential risk for cancer. Visit their Your Disease Risk website to learn more.
Tips to Prevent Cancer
Your risk of developing cancer can be reduced substantially by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips:
Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer
With such a variety of recreational opportunities in our community it is easy to forget that we live in the desert. Download the Sun Safety Handout, (PDF 109KB/2pages) which offers information that can help protect against skin cancer.
Signs of Skin Cancer
Know What to Look For - If you notice any of the following changes in moles on your skin tell your doctor right away.
- Asymmetry: Draw a line through the mole. If the two halves don’t match, then they’re asymmetrical. In a normal mole the two halves will match.
- Border: The border of your mole should be even. An uneven border could be an early sign of melanoma.
- Color: Your mole should be one shade of one color. Your mole should not be a variety of colors or several different shades of brown, tan or black. Melanomas may also become red, white or blue.
- Diameter: Melanomas are usually bigger than a pencil eraser, but can be smaller when first detected.
- Evolving: If your mole changes in any way, such as its shape, color, or elevation and/or begins to bleed, itch or crust you should see your doctor.
Some melanomas do not fit the ABCDE rules described above, so it’s important for you to notice changes in your skin, such as markings or new spots.
Other warning signs are:
- A sore that does not heal
- A new growth
- Spread of pigment from the border of a spot to surrounding skin
- Redness or a new swelling beyond the border
- Change in sensation – itchiness, tenderness or pain
Find the Right Cancer Treatment
There are many treatment choices for cancer. Take an active role in your treatment by researching each treatment method. You should discuss with your doctor which treatment choices are best for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Related Links
Visit our Related Links webpage for additional cancer websites.
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