Cancer is a deadly disease and currently over 13% of deaths in the world happen due to it. Cancer disease is not due to any viruses or bacteria. Cancer is the abnormal and rapid multiplication of body cells which eventually shuts down the organ affected. Cancer is deadly since it can spread throughout the body (a process known as metastasis). In this article, I will look at 5 cancer facts you must be aware of.

1. Cancer prevention is possible - It is estimated that 40% of cancers can be prevented. Scientists are not clear as to what exactly causes cancer. But it is found that chances of getting cancer can be reduced by adopting healthy lifestyle. This includes avoiding excessive drinking, not smoking and ensuring adequate physical exercise. Another possible factor for increased cancer rate is the excessive use of pesticides.

2. Cancer can affect any body part - Cancer is not limited to any specific body part. It can affect any organ, including brain,breast, liver, lungs, kidney, tongue and blood. When cancer becomes advanced, it can spread to other organs from the primary area. At this stage, treatment may not give any benefit.

3. Cancer affects elderly most - Ageing is a major factor in the development of cancer. It is found that incidence of cancer increases dramatically with age due to the cell weakness and accumulation of risk factors.

4. Cancer is curable, only if it is detected early - Many types of cancers can be cured if it is detected in an early stage. Typically this involves surgery on the affected body part.

5. Cancer treatment can be painful - Cancer treatment sometimes is worse than the disease itself as the treatment mechanisms such as chemotherapy and radiation is painful. Treatment of secondary stage cancers are not very effective and may prolong life at the cost of increased suffering. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are associated with a lot of side effects. Newer drugs are more effective, but usually helpful only in prolonging life and are generally very costly.

Some cancer facts/figures

1. Cancer starts with a single malignant cell.

2. There are over 100 types of cancers affecting various body parts.

3. Of 58 million deaths worldwide in 2005, cancer is the cause for 7.6 million deaths.

4. Lung cancer is the biggest killer and causes over 20% of cancer deaths.

5. It is estimated that in 2030, 11.5 million will die due to cancer.

6. Enormous amount of money is invested every year in cancer research. For example, American national cancer institute alone spend over $4.8 billion in 2005.

Links on Cancer disease
Wikipedia article on cancer
American National Cancer Institute