An estimated 40,480 women and 450 men breast cancer patients are expected to die in 2008. Breast cancer ranks second (after lung cancer) as a cause of cancer death in women eve though it has decreased steadily since 1990. Progress in both early detection and improved treatment with contributes to the decrease.

A mammogram can detect earliest sign of breast cancer. The abnormality, painless mass in the breast may not be felt by the woman or a healthcare professional. Other less common symptoms may include persistent changes to the breast: thickening, redness swelling, skin irritation, distortion, tenderness or scaliness. Nipples also have abnormalities like retraction, ulceration, and or spontaneous discharge.

Women have the greatest risk in getting breast cancer. Age is another important factor. Risk can also increased by inherited genetic, a family history of breast cancer, high breast tissue density, and high-dose radiation to the chest, usually related to other medical procedure. Reproductive factors also increase the risk: menstrual periods that start early and or end late in life, prolong use of oral contraceptives, having the first child after age 30 or never have children. If a person is overweight or obese after menopause, use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin combined), inactivity and drinking more than one alcoholic beverages per day, be extra careful because these are factors that increase breast cancer risk. Being active, maintaining a healthy body weight, breastfeeding are all associated with lowering the risk of breast cancer.

The 5-year relative survival rate for malignant cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes or other location outside the breast has increased from 80% in the mid 1900 to 98% today. The recent 5-year survival rate is 84% for cases with cancer has spread regionally. For women with metastases cancer (spread to distant parts of the body), the 5-year survival rate is 27%.

Breast cancer screening has proved to reduce breast cancer mortality. 61% of breast cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage and the 5-year survival rate is very impressive at 98% due to timely access to high quality follow-up and treatment.

Other than genetic gene, there is a lot we can do to prevent cancer development. Maintaining a healthy and balance lifestyle including manage stress, eat right, take vitamins, stay fit and pay attention to the environment where you live and work. The air you breath and the water you drink have a lot to do with your health. About 70% of the bodies’ weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments, sicknesses and cancer development. The quantity and quality of the water you drink are equally important. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit Drinking Water Safety. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies’ weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

Lung cancer is the most cancer-related deaths in both men and women, estimated at 161,840 in 2008, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. More women have died from lung cancer than from breast cancer each year. Mortality rates have decreased in recent years in men (2%) and stayed at same level in women after continuously increasing for several decades. These trends may reflect the decrease in tobacco use over the last 30 years.

Lung cancer symptoms may include one or more of the followings: shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change, weight loss, repeated respiratory infection such as recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.

There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 90% of all lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer. Types and stage of the cancer determine treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted biological therapies

Non-small cell lung cancer is staged from 0 - IV and small cell lung cancer is staged by Limited Stage Disease (cancer is in one side of the chest) and Extensive Stage Disease (spread beyond the one side of the chest).

Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Greater risk is associated with the quantity and duration of cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, radiation, air pollution, organic chemicals, certain metals such as chromium, arsenic or cadmium and history of tuberculosis, are also factors contributing to lung cancer.

The survival rate for all stages combined, about 82% of patients with oral cavity and pharynx cancer survive the first year after diagnosis. The 5-year relative survival rate is59% and 10-year is 48%.

Lung cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity including the lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Dentist and primary care doctors can detect cancer at its early stage when it is most curable.

The best way to prevent lung and bronchus cancer is to never start smoking, quit it if you already smoke and stay away from smokers. Living a healthy, active lifestyle, eating a healthy diet, paying attention to the environment where you live and work such as air and water quality, and see your doctor for regular testing and health screening.

Other than genetic gene, there is a lot we can do to prevent cancer development. Maintaining a healthy and balance lifestyle including manage stress, eat right, take vitamins, stay fit and pay attention to the environment where you live and work. The air you breath and the water you drink have a lot to do with your health.

About 70% of the bodies’ weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments, sicknesses and cancer development. The quantity and quality of the water you drink are equally important. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit Drinking Water Safety. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies’ weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

How many are in your state?

Let’s find out.

• In California (my state), there is 156,530 new cases, leading the chart
• Florida, 101,920 new case, comes in second
• New York is third with 97,130
• Oregon, 19,230
• Texas, 96,320
• Washington, 32,380
• Nevada, 11,370
• Hawaii, 6,310
• Alaska, 2,650
• Washington DC has the least with 2,560

For a complete list of all cancer cases by state, cancer incidence by sites and by gender, the types of cancers, download the full report here.

Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occurs from metabolism).

We will go into the external factors a bit more detail here.

Smoking has shown to cause cancers of the lungs, the throat and mouth. Cigarette smoking and exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene, a component in gasoline and cigarette smoke, are risk factors for myeloid leukemia. While not all smokers will get cancers, smoking indeed increases the chances a person getting other diseases. An estimated of over 215,000 new cases of lung and bronchus cancers are expected in 2008, accounting for about 15 percents of all cancers diagnosed. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. All forms of smoked and smokeless tobacco products combined with excessive alcohol consumption can cause and increase the risk of oral cavity and pharynx by 30 times.

Drinking too much alcohol has been shown to increase the chance of getting mouth, throat, kidney, liver and other cancers. It’s even worst if a person is both a drinker and a smoker.

Often exposed to X-ray can cause cancer. Exposed to sunlight without proper protection can cause skin cancer.

Drinking water that is chemically treated, polluted with heavy metal, and other contaminants increases the chance of getting cancer. Plastic water and food containers can release bisphenol A, a substance that has been suspected of being hazardous to humans since the 1930s, which has raised concerns about the use of it in consumer products in 2008. Heating water and foods (especially high in fat) in the microwave, the combination of high heat, high fat and plastic releases dioxin, a highly poisonous substance that can cause cancer, especially in the breast. Plastic food wraps should not be microwaved and do not drink from bottled water kept in the car under heat.

Cancer is also the result of dehydration complications.

While different types of cancers have different signs symptoms, the ones listed below are the most common, noted by cancer patients. All of these symptoms may have causes other than cancer and should be diagnosed by a doctor. Early detection and treatment can save lives since cancers that have not spread to adjacent tissue or distant organs can be effectively treated in most cases.

• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Thickening or lump in breast
• Nagging cough or hoarseness
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
• Persistent, low-grade fever
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Obvious change in a wart or mole
• Paleness
• Unusual tiredness
• Excessive or easily bruising
• Repeated infections
• Appetite and weight loss
• Unusual and persistent headaches accompanied by visual or behavioral changes
• Nagging pain in the bones or elsewhere that has no apparent cause

If you spot one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor. Early detection is key in treating cancer and maintaining a healthy and balance lifestyle is cancer prevention in the first place.

For the causes & symptoms of each cancer type, download the report below, go to the pages for the information you are looking for. Here is the list for your quick read:

• Cancer Risk By State, Pages 5 to 8
• Breast cancer Pages 9, 10
• Childhood cancer Pages 11,12
• Colon & Rectum Page 12
• Leukemia Page 13
• Lung & Bronchus Pages 13, 14
• Lymphoma Page15
• Oral Cavity & Pharynx Pages 15,16
• Ovary Page 16
• Pancreas Pages 16,17
• Prostate Pages 17,18
• Skin pages 19, 20
• Urinary Bladder Page 20
• Uterine Cervix Pages 20, 21

There are two major types of lung cancers, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). If a lung cancer has both types of cancer, it is called mixed small/large cell cancer. This is not too common.

The two types of cancers are staged and treated differently.

• Non-small cell lung cancers make up 85% to 90% of lung cancers, they are staged from 0 to IV. Stage 0 being the earliest, most treatable and stage IV is most advanced.
• Small cell lung cancers make up 10% to 15% of lung cancers, labeled by Limited Stage Disease (cancer is on one side of the chest) and Extensive Stage Disease (spread beyond one side of the chest)

Here is a general view of the four stages of the non-small cell lung cancer:

• Stage 0: The cancer is found only in the top layers of cells lining the air passages. It has not invaded deeper into other lung tissues and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage I: The cancer is no larger than 3 centimeters (cm) across, has not reached the membranes that surround the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. It has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
• Stage II: The cancer is no larger than 3 centimeters, has not grown into the membranes that surround the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. It has spread to lymph nodes within the lung and/or around the area where the bronchus enters the lung (hilar lymph nodes). It has not spread to distant sites.
• Stage III: The cancer is no larger than 3 centimeters, has not grown into the membrane that surrounds the lungs, and does not affect the main branches of the bronchi. The cancer has spread to lymph nodes around the carina (the point where the windpipe splits into the left and right bronchi) or in the space behind the breastbone and in front of the heart (mediastinum). Affected lymph nodes are on the same side as the primary tumor. The cancer has not spread to distant sites.
• Stage IV: The cancer can be any size and may or may not have grown into nearby structures or reached nearby lymph nodes. It has spread to distant sites.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 1 every 2 men and 1 in 3 women in the United States will develop cancer sometime during their life. The risk of developing most types of cancer can be reduced by changes in a person’s lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, eating a better diet, drinking more clean and fresh water rather than alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. The sooner a cancer is found and treated, the better are the chances for living for many years.

There is far more on the staging of lung cancer to include in this post. For a more detail report on both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer stages, request the Lung Cancer Statistics Report that includes the causes and symptoms, diagnostic, stages, treatment and prevention below.

Just a bit over 215,000 new cases of lung cancer, accounts for an estimated of 15% of all cancer, were diagnosed in 2008. For treatment purposes, lung cancer is classified as small cell or non-small cell. These cells are treated differently. Treatment options vary by type of cells and the stages of cancer. Treatment methods may include one or a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy and surgery. Because the cancer has usually spread by the time it is discovered, radiation and chemotherapy are often used, and if necessary, in combination with surgery.

Common lung cancer symptoms may include shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change, weight loss and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.

Smoking cigarette is no doubt the biggest risk factor to lung cancer. Risk increases with the amount and the duration of cigarette smoking. There are many cancer-causing chemical compounds in tobacco smoke. Smoking cigars and pipes also cause lung cancer even though not as high a risk as smoking cigarette. Second hand smoke, occupational or environmental pollution or exposure to radon, asbestos and certain metals such as chromium, cadmium and arsenic, are factors to risk of lung cancer. Genetic plays an important role in the development of the disease, especially in those with the disease at a younger age.

Early detection has not proved to reduce mortality. Chest X-ray and bronchial passages fiberoptic examination is not too effective in reducing lung cancer deaths.

Between 2000 and 2003, the 1-year relative survival rate has increased to 41% compared to 35% during the 1975 – 1979 period. However, only 15% of all the patients survive past the 5-year relative in all stages of the cancer combined.

Live well, eat healthy, exercise, stay optimist, don’t ever smoke or quit smoking will help prevent getting cancer in the first place.

For a full report on lung cancer statistics, causes and symptoms, diagnostic, stages, treatment, and survival rate, download it here:

• Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, resulting in death if not controlled or treated. Cancer is caused by both external factors such as tobacco, chemicals, radiation… and internal factors such as inherited, mutations, hormones, and immune conditions…
• There are usually 10 or more years time between exposure to external factors and detectable cancer.
• Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.

Can Cancer Be Prevented?

• Cancers that are the results of smoking cigarette and heavy drinking of alcohol could be surely prevented. About 170,000 Americans are expected to die in 2008 due to tobacco use.
• Total cancer deaths expected to occur in 2008 is about 565,650. About 188,000 of those are related to overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, mal-nutrition and could be prevented.
• Many of the more than 1 million skin cancer cases could have been prevented if proper sun protections was used and avoiding indoor tanning
• Cancers that are related to infectious agents, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and many others, and could also be prevented through lifestyle and behavioral changes, vaccines, or antibiotics.
• Regular screening can detect, diagnose and remove cancers at early stage when they are most treatable.

Other Facts:

• Anyone is at risk developing cancer
• The National Cancer Institute estimated that about 10.8 million Americans who have had cancer in the past were alive in January 2004, some were cancer-free and some were still undergoing treatment
• About 1,437,180 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008.
• About 565,650 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day.
• Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US next to heart disease
• Cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths in America.
• The 5-year survival rate of all cancer patients diagnosed between 1996 to 2003 is 66%.
• There are usually four stages of cancer. Stage I being the earliest and stage IV being advanced.
• If cancer cells are present only in the layer of cells where they developed and have not spread, the stage is in situ. If cancer cells have spread beyond the original layer of tissue, the cancer is invasive.

For a complete cancer facts and figures for 2008, get it HERE.

The good news is that early detection, diagnosis and treatment have improved the odds dramatically. In 1995, over 50% of cancer patients survived five years or more after diagnosis and treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates that an additional 25-30% of all cancer deaths could be prevented with earlier diagnosis and treatment.

So what is cancer? Even though it is often referred to as a single ailment such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer etc., cancer actually consists of more than 100 different diseases, all characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can occur in many areas of the body and behaves differently depending on its types and origin. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occurs from metabolism). It often takes ten or more years from exposure to external factors and a detectable cancer.

Cancer is identified by uncontrolled cell division and cell death caused by cumulative damage to important regulatory genes. Generally, multiple genes must be damaged for a cancer to grow and to develop the capacity to spread, also known as metastasis. Cancers that seem to run in families may be hereditary or may signify similar family environmental exposure to substances that cause cell damage such as polluted air, water, soil and to radiation.

If your family history shows that certain diseases have occurred repeatedly in the past, you must be diligent about getting regular screening examinations for these diseases. Check with your doctor for more information about evaluations or cancer screenings.

The best advice to lower cancer risk: Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body’s defenses against cancer. Remove chlorine or chloramine and contaminants from water before drinking or cooking. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.

There is a full report on 2008 cancer statistic that includes the information listed below.

Download the report, go to the pages you want the information on.  I have made a list for your easy navigation:

• Cancer Risk By State,    Pages 5 to 8
• Breast cancer                Pages 9, 10
• Childhood cancer         Pages 11,12
• Colon & Rectum           Page 12
• Leukemia                      Page 13
• Lung & Bronchus           Pages 13, 14
• Lymphoma                    Page15
• Oral Cavity & Pharynx   Pages 15,16
• Ovary                            Page 16
• Pancreas                       Pages 16,17
• Prostate                        Pages 17,18
• Skin                              pages 19, 20
• Urinary Bladder             Page 20
• Uterine Cervix              Pages 20, 21

The causes for irritable bowel syndrome can vary from person to person, but it seems to affect people with unhealthy lifestyle: high stress, food allergies, or too much high-fat junk food. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can also mimic other serious health problems. Therefore, anyone experiencing abdominal discomfort on a regular basis should consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Irritable bowel syndrome has one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by or associated with a bowel movement
• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both
• Whitish mucus in the stool
• A bloated abdomen
• The feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement

Here is what we suggest you to do to improve or control IBS:

• Have your health-care professional test for food allergy and sensitivity
• Avoid foods that have small seeds, such as raspberries and tomatoes
• Avoid dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and sugars that can irritate the digestive tract
• Learn stress reduction techniques. Seek the help of a professional in stress reduction including biofeedback
• Take a fiber supplement such as psyllium daily or as directed by a health-care professional
• It is essential that you drink at the least one half your body weight in ounces of water every day. If you weight 130 pounds, then you should drink 65 ounces or more each day.

Taking supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex and a few others can also help in improving the condition. These are supplements that may help with your irritable bowl syndrome conditions:

• Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil flaxseed oil
• Fiber
• Passionflower
• Vitamin B complex
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Digestive enzyme
• Peppermint or ginger tea to aid digestion

The warning signs listed below are the most common symptoms noted by cancer patients. Please Note: All of these symptoms may have causes other than cancer and should be diagnosed by a physician or health-care professional:

• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Thickening or lump in breast
• Nagging cough or hoarseness
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
• Persistent, low-grade fever
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Obvious change in a wart or mole
• Pallor
• Unusual tiredness
• Excessive bruising
• Appetite and weight loss
• Unusual and persistent headaches accompanied by visual or behavioral changes
• Nagging pain in the bones or elsewhere that has no apparent cause

What should I do if diagnosed with cancer?
The person diagnosed with cancer and his or her family face important and difficult decisions. Feelings of fear and isolation are normal, but there are many sources of medical, psychological, and financial aid available.

A newly diagnosed cancer patient should be accompanied by one or two close family members or friends during discussions about the disease and treatment. Even though all important decisions ultimately must be made by the patient, the advice and comfort of friends and family provides invaluable emotional support. And during this understandably emotional time, an extra set of ears can be very helpful in making sure the cancer patient understands his or her diagnosis and treatment options.

There are several things a cancer patient and his or her family can do. Some suggestions:

• Optimism and fortitude are very important. Several years ago, Norman Cousins wrote the book Laughter is the Best Medicine outlining his journey through successful cancer treatment. Another excellent book for those undergoing cancer treatment is It’s Not about the Bike by Lance Armstrong, six-time winner of the Tour de France.
• Learn to communicate with people about what is going on in your life. Many studies show that patients who cope best with the stress of cancer are ones who assume responsibility for seeking treatment, ask questions, and participate in the decision-making process. Many people refuse to discuss the disease and its prognosis in order to keep from worrying or burdening others. In reality, silence erects a wall between patients and their families, and candid discussions about the possibility of death can decrease the tension between patients, friends, and families.
• Join a support group and seek help. Many studies demonstrate that cancer patients belonging to support groups contend with the disease better than patients who are isolated. Discussing fears, as well as sharing information about coping strategies, treatments, doctors, hospitals, and other medical resources, enormously benefit cancer patients and their families. Call the American Cancer Society for more information on groups and services in your area. Or go online for information; the American Cancer Society’s website is a good place to start learning about a particular type of cancer and also provides information about local programs.
• Prayer and meditation may also help some people cope with the problems that occur during any illness, especially cancer. Regardless of race, color, or creed, a strong sense of spirituality always helps.

With the advances made in both research and science, nearly half of all cancer patients can expect to be alive and free of any sign of the disease five years after diagnosis. Anxiety and fear cause some people with cancer to delay seeking a diagnosis until the disease has reached an advanced, less treatable stage. And while cancer treatment is feared, recent advances in surgical, radiological, and chemotherapeutic therapies, and improvements in pharmacology which can prevent nausea and pain, have greatly lessened the uncomfortable side effects of cancer treatment.

The bottom line is that cancer must be detected early in order to obtain the highest probability of a cure. However, even persistent cancer (often a chronic disease) can be effectively treated for many years.

The best advice we can give you is this: Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body’s defenses against cancer. Remove chlorine or chloramine, contaminants from water before drinking or cooking. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.