January
Cervical Cancer
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test. (This screening procedure can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early – when it is small and easier to cure.) But it has not changed much over the last 15 years.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for cervical cancer in the United States for 2020 are:
- About 13,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed.
- About 4,290 women will die from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. More than 20% of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65. However, these cancers rarely occur in women who have been getting regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they are 65.
See Cervical Cancer Screening Tests for more information about tests used to screen for cervical cancer.
(Source: American Cancer Society)
February
National Cancer Prevention
Cancer Prevention is critical to lower the chance of getting cancer. In addition to the physical problems and emotional distress caused by cancer, the high costs of care are also a burden on patients, their families, and the public. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer is lowered. Hopefully, this will reduce the burden of cancer and lower the number of deaths caused by cancer.
Risk Factors for Cancer: Cancer risk factors include exposure to chemical or other substances, as well as certain behaviors. They also include things people cannot control, like age and family history. A family history of certain cancers can be a sign of possible inherited cancer syndrome. Learn more
The Genetics of Cancer: Cancer is a genetic disease – meaning, cancer is caused by certain changes to genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide. Genetic changes that promote cancer can be inherited from our parents if the changes are present in germ cells, which are the reproductive cells of the body (eggs & sperm). Such changes, called germline changes, are found in every cell of the offspring. Learn more
The statistics are alarming:
- In 2020, an estimated 1.8 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States and over 606,520 people died from the disease.
- Cancer mortality is higher among men than women.
- Approximately 39.5% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
- In 2020, an estimated 16,850 children and adolescents ages 0-19 will be diagnosed with cancer and over 1,730 will die of the disease.
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
Gallbladder / Bile Duct Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies just under the liver in the upper abdomen. The gallbladder stores the bile, a fluid made by the liver to digest fat.
Risk factors for Gallbladder Cancer: Being female and Native American can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
Detection: Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect and diagnose for the following reasons:
There are no symptoms in early stages of gallbladder cancer.
The symptoms of gallbladder cancer, when present, are like the symptoms of many other illnesses.
The gallbladder is hidden under the liver.
Gallbladder cancer is sometimes found when the gallbladder is removed or other reasons. Patients with gallstones rarely develop gallbladder cancer.
Source: American Cancer Society
March
Colon Cancer
Excluding skin cancer, colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2020 are:
- 104,610 new cases of colon cancer
- 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer
Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 23 (4.4%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.1%) for women. A number of other factors can also affect your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
For more information, visit: Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Kidney Cancer
For reasons that are not totally clear, the rate of new kidney cancers has been rising since the 1990s, although this seems to have leveled off in the past few years. Part of this rise was probably due to the use of newer imaging tests such as CT scan, which picked up some cancers that might never have been found otherwise. The death rates for these cancers have gone down slightly since the middle of the 1990s.
The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for kidney cancer in the United States are for 2020:
- About 73,750 new cases of kidney cancer (45,520 in men and 28,230 in women) will occur.
- About 14,830 people (9,860 men and 4,970 women) will die from this disease.
These numbers include all types of kidney and renal pelvis cancers.
Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. Overall, the lifetime risk for developing kidney cancer in men is about 1 in 46 (2.02%). The lifetime risk for women is 1 in 82 (1.02%). A number of other factors also affect a person’s risk.
For more information, visit: Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer
(Sources: American Cancer Society)
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer. Scientists still do not know exactly what causes most cases of multiple myeloma. However, they have made progress in understanding how certain changes in DNA can make plasma cells become cancerous.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for multiple myeloma in the United States for 2020 are:
- About 32,270 new cases will diagnosed (17,530 in men and 14,740 in women).
- About 12,830 deaths are expected to occur (7,190 in men and 5,640 in women).
In the United States, the lifetime risk of getting multiple myeloma is 1 in 132 (0.76%). Important research into multiple myeloma is being done in university hospitals, medical centers, and other institutions around the world. Each year, scientists find out more about what causes the disease and how to improve treatment.
For more information, visit: Multiple Myeloma Research
(Source: American Cancer Society)
April
Testicular Cancer
The incidence rate of testicular cancer has been increasing in the United States and many other countries for decades. The increase is mostly seminomas. Experts have not been able to find reasons for this. Lately, the rate of increase has slowed.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for testicular cancer in the United States for 2020 are:
- About 9,610 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed
- About 440 deaths from testicular cancer
The average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is about 33. This is largely a disease of young and middle-aged men, but about 6% of cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% occur in men over the age of 65.
Because testicular cancer usually can be treated successfully, a man’s lifetime risk of dying from this cancer is very low: about 1 in 5,000.
For addition information, visit: Testicular Cancer Survival Rates
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is more common among men than among women. The lifetime risk of esophageal cancer in the United States is about 1 in 125 in men and about 1 in 417 in women.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for esophageal cancer in the United States for 2020 are:
- About 18,440 new esophageal cases diagnosed (14,350 in men and 4,090 in women).
- About 16,170 deaths from esophageal cancer (13,100 in men and 3,070 in women).
Overall, the rates of esophageal cancer in the United States have been fairly stable for many years, but over the past decade they have been decreasing slightly. It is most common in whites. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the esophagus among whites, while the squamous cell carcinoma is more common in African Americans. American Indian/Alaska Natives and Hispanics have lower rates of esophageal cancer, followed by Asians/Pacific Islanders.
For additional information, visit: Key Statics for Esophageal Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Head & Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer include cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands. Approximately 1.2% of men and women will be diagnosed with oral cavity and pharynx cancer at some point in their lifetime.
The National Cancer Institute estimates of head & neck cancer in the Unites States for 2020 are:
- About 53,260 new Head & Neck cases diagnosed.
- About 10,750 deaths from Head & Neck cancer.
Head & neck cancers account for approximately 4% of al cancers in the United States. These cancers are more than twice as common among men as they are among women. Head & neck cancers are also diagnosed more often among people over the age of 50 than they are among younger people.
For additional information, visit: Head and Neck Cancers Facts
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
May
National Cancer Research Month
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) initiated and supports National Cancer Research Month to highlight the importance of lifesaving research to the millions of people around the world affected by the collection of devastating diseases we all call cancer.
The AACR invites you to join us in support of this global awareness campaign highlighting the importance of cancer research. Thanks to spectacular advances made by cancer research, more than 16.9 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide are cancer survivors who are living with, through, and beyond their disease.
Despite that progress, far too many people continue to suffer and die due to these diseases. The AACR hope you will take a moment at this extraordinary time to show your strong support of pioneering cancer research that is saving lives every day.
If you are as compassionate as we are about cancer research, please consider donating today to help us continue the fight to find a cure.
Article by: American Association of Cancer Research
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer starts when cells that make up the urinary bladder start to grow out of control. As more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumor and, with time, spread to other parts of the body. Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is by far the most common type of bladder cancer. In fact, if you have bladder cancer it’s almost certain to be a urothelial carcinoma. These cancers start in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for bladder cancer in the United States for 2020 are:
- About 81,400 new cases of bladder cancer (about 62,100 in men and 19,300 in women)
- About 17,980 deaths from bladder cancer (about 13,050 in men and 4,930 in women)
The rates of new bladder cancers and deaths linked to bladder cancer have been dropping slightly in women in recent years. In men, incidence rates have been decreasing, but death rates been stable.
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, but it is less common in women.
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Brain Cancer
Brain and spinal cord tumors are masses of abnormal cell in the brain or spinal cord that have grown out of control. Brain tumors rarely spread to other parts of the body, but most of them can spread through the brain tissue. Even so-called benign brain tumors can, as they grow, press on and destroy normal brain tissue, which can lead to serious or sometimes even life-threatening damage. For this reason, doctors usually speak of brain tumors rather than brain cancers.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for brain and spinal cord tumors in the United States for 2020 include both adults and children.
- About 23,890 malignant tumors of the brain or spinal cord (13,590 in males and 10,200 in females will be diagnosed. These numbers would be much higher if benign (non-cancer) tumors were also included.
- About 18,020 people (10,190 males and 7:830 females) will die from brain and spinal cord tumors.
Overall, the chance that a person will develop a malignant tumor of the brain or spinal cord in his or her lifetime is less than 1%. The risk of developing any type of brain or spinal cord tumor is slightly higher among women than among men, although the risk of developing a malignant tumor is slightly higher for men than for women. This is largely because certain types of tumors are more common in one gender or the other (for example, meningiomas are more common in women).
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Melanoma & Skin Cancer
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control. Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers. Melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for melanoma in the Unites States for 2020 are:
- About 100,350 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 60,190 in men and 40,160 in women).
- About 6,850 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 4,610 men and 2,240 women).
The rates of melanoma have been rising rapidly over the past few decades, but this has varied by age. Melanoma is more common in men overall, but before age 50 the rates are higher in women than in men. The risk of melanoma increases as people age. The average age of people when it is diagnosed is 65. But melanoma is not uncommon even among those younger than 30. In fact, it’s one of the most common cancers in young adults (especially young women).
(Source: American Cancer Society)
June
National Cancer Survivor Month
By: Melanie Stachelski, MA
On the day that I was diagnosed with cancer, I sat anxiously in a sterile hospital room with white walls, intrusive fluorescent lighting, and paper covered seats. Several nurses were rushing nervously in and out.
I didn’t understand. “Why does everything seem so urgent?”, I asked.
One of the nurses knelt down to look me in the eyes. As she laid a hand on my knee she said, “Honey, it’s because we think you have Leukemia.”
I began chemotherapy almost immediately and a few months later, under the care of an incredible medical team, I received a successful Bone Marrow Transplant. A crucial piece of my journey was finding a doctor that I completely trusted to guide me through treatment. But my own intuition also told me that there was so much of my healing that wasn’t up to my doctors – it was up to me. So I started asking, “What else can I do to get well?”
As a cancer patient I wanted to know how I could not only survive, but how I could THRIVE.
This path of inquiry led me to go back to school to pursue a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, and on the 7th Anniversary of my Bone Marrow Transplant I opened the doors to my private practice: Colorado Cancer Counseling. Now, as a cancer therapist it is my passion and my privilege to combine all of the training, education and insight I have gathered over the past decade with life-changing experience of my own cancer diagnosis in order to give my clients the tools, information, hope, and inspiration to continue their journey towards health and well-being.
My best advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis is to find a doctor and medical team that you have complete confidence in. Seek out the people who are experts in your disease and who believe in your success. Ask about clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments. Then, follow their directives 100%. If you haven’t made the right connection yet, keep looking! This will be the foundation of your healing.
And the rest is up to you! Find ways to take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Surround yourself with a good community and accept their help when it is offered. Stay focused on what you want your life to look like after cancer. And look for the message of love. I believe that there is a message for each of us in cancer, and the message is always love. When you are ready, begin to examine what changes you need to make in your life in order to become the most authentic, vital, and healthy YOU!
To contact Melanie Stachelski, go to www.cocancersounseling.com.
July
Sarcoma / Bone Cancer
Most of the time when someone with cancer is told they have cancer in the bones, the doctor is talking about a cancer that has spread to the bones from somewhere else. This is called metastatic cancer. It can happen with many different types of advanced cancer, like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. When the cancer cells in the bone are looked at under the microscope, they look just like the tissue they come from.
For more information, visit: What is Bone Cancer?
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for cancer of the bones and joints for 2020 are:
- About 3,600 new cases will be diagnosed
- About 1,720 deaths from these cancers are expected
Primary cancers of bones account for less than 0.2% of all cancers. In adults, over 40% of primary bone cancers are chondrosarcomas. This is followed by osteosarcomas (28%), chordomas (10%), Ewing tumors (8%), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma/fibrosarcomas (4%). The remainder of cases are several rare types of bone cancers.
(Source: American Cancer Society)
August
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September
Childhood Cancer
In the United States in 2020, an estimated 11,050 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children from birth to 14 years, and about 1,190 children are expected to die from the disease. Although cancer death rates for this age group have declined by 65% from 1970 to 2016, cancer remains the leasing cause of death from disease among children. The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children ages 0 to 14 years are leukemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and lymphomas.
Because of major treatment advances in recent decades, 84% of children with cancer now survive 5 years or more. Overall, this is a huge increase since the mi-1970s, when the 5-year survival rate was about 58%. Still, survival rates can vary a great deal depending on the type of cancer and other factors.
For more information, visit: Cancer in Children
(Source: National Cancer Institute & American Cancer Society)
Gynecological Cancer
Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in the woman’s reproductive organs. Different types of Gynecologic cancer are cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs of symptoms, different risk factors (things that may increase your chance of getting a disease), and different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.
Gynecologic cancers are treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Women with gynecologic cancer often get more than one kind of treatment. Different kinds of treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the most common.
For more information, visit: What is Gynecologic Cancer?
Leukemia
Leukemias are cancers that start in cells that would normally develop into different types of blood cells. Most often, leukemia start in early forms of white blood cells, but some leukemias start in other blood cell types.
There are several types of leukemia, which are divided based mainly on whether the leukemia is acute (fast growing) or chronic (slower growing), and whether it starts in myeloid cells or lymphoid cells. Knowing the specific type of leukemia helps doctors better predict each person’s prognosis (outlook) and select best treatment.
For more information, visit: Leukemia
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body’s immune system. Knowing what type of lymphoma you have is important because it affects your treatment options and your outlook (prognosis). There are two main types of lymphomas; Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They behave, spread, and respond to treatment differently, so it’s important to know which one you have.
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) accounts for more than 9 in 10 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma in developed countries. The cancer cells in cHL are called Reed-Sternberg cells. Enlarged lymph nodes in people with cHL usually have a small number of Reed-Sternberg cells with a lot of normal immune cells around them. These other immune cells cause most of the swelling in the lymph nodes.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL): Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that start in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. NHL most often affects adults, but children can get it too. While NHL usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, it can sometimes affect the skin.
For more information, visit: Hodgkin Lymphoma & Non-Hodgkin
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancers were previously believed to begin only in the ovaries, but recent evidence suggests that many ovarian cancers may actually start in the cells in the far (distal) end of the fallopian tubes. The ovaries are mainly made up of 3 kinds of cells. Each type of cell can develop into a different type of tumor; Epithelial tumors, Germ cell tumors, and Stromal tumors. Some of these tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and never spread beyond the ovary. Malignant (cancerous) or borderline (low malignant potential) ovarian tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and can be fatal.
The risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age. Ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older. Ovarian cancer can run in families. Your ovarian cancer risk is increased if your mother, sister, or daughter has (or has had) ovarian cancer. The risk also gets higher the more relatives you have with ovarian cancer. Increased risk for ovarian cancer can also come from your father’s side.
For more information, visit: Ovarian Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a gland only found in males. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancer that forms in mucus-secreting glands through the body). These cancers develop from the gland cells (the cells that make the prostate fluid that is added to the semen). Other types of prostate cancers include; Sarcomas, Small cell carcinomas, Neuroendocrine tumors (other than small cell carcinomas), and Transitional cell carcinomas. These other types of prostate cancer are rare. If you have prostate cancer it is almost certain to be adenocarcinoma.
Some prostate cancers can grow and spread quickly, but most grow slowly. In fact, autopsy studies show that many older men (and even some younger men) who dies of other causes also had prostate cancer that never affected them during their lives. In many cases neither they nor their doctors even knew they had it. Some research suggests that prostate cancer starts out as a pre-cancerous condition, although this is not yet known for sure. These conditions are sometimes found when a man has a prostate biopsy (removal of small pieces of the prostate to look for cancer).
Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65. Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. African-American men are also more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as white men. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic whites. The reason for these racial and ethnic differences is unclear.
For more information, visit: Prostate Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland makes hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. The thyroid gland has 2 main types of cells; Follicular cells and C cells. Other, less common cells in the thyroid gland include immune system cells (lymphocytes) and supportive (stromal) cells. Different cancer develop from each kind of cell. The differences are important because they affect how serious the cancer is and what type of treatment is needed. Many types of growths and tumors can develop in the thyroid gland. Most of these are benign (non-cancerous) but others are malignant (cancerous), which means they can spread into nearby tissues and to other parts of the body.
For unclear reasons thyroid cancers (like almost all diseases of the thyroid) occur about 3 times more often in women than in men. Thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but the risks peaks earlier for women (who are most often in their 40s or 50s when diagnosed) than for men (who are usually in their 60s or 70s). Several inherited conditions have been linked to different types of thyroid cancer, as has family history. Still, most people who develop thyroid cancer do not have an inherited condition or a family history of the disease.
For more information, visit; Thyroid Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
October
Breast Cancer
About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12.4%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. About 2,620 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2020. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2020, it was estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women would be breast cancer.
(Source: Breastcancer.org)
Cancer screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms and is one of the most important things you do for yourself. Screening tests can help find cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure. It is important to remember that when your doctor suggests a screening test, it does not always mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Screening tests are done when you have no cancer symptoms.
(Source: NIH-Nation Cancer Institute)
For more information about Western States Cancer Research NCORP’s breast cancer screening study, TMIST, visit: TMIST Study
If you are interested in participating in the TMIST study, please call us at 303-777-2663.
Contact your doctor today to set up a screening test.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. Several types of cancer can form in the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the main type of liver cell (hepatocyte). Other types of cancer, such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are much less common.
Not all cancers that affect the liver are considered liver cancer. Cancer that begins in another area of the body, such as the colon, lung or breast, and then spreads to the liver is called metastatic cancer rather than liver cancer. And this type of cancer is named after the organ in which it began – such as metastatic colon cancer to describe cancer that begins in the colon and spreads to the liver. Cancer that spreads to the liver is more common than cancer that begins in the liver cells.
For more information, visit: Liver Cancer
(Source: Mayo Clinic)
November
Honoring Caregivers Month
Western States Cancer Research NCORP would like to celebrate those often unsung heroes who support cancer patients and their loved ones. Caregivers play a huge role in a patient’s cancer journey. In addition to providing comfort and encouragement, they do myriad of other things to ease the burden of the patient. A survey done by Cancer Experience Registry found:
- 98% provided emotional support
- 96% went with their loved one to medical appointments
- 82% helped with decision-making
- 79% coordinated medical care
- 80% provided transportation
- 74% helped manage finances
In the midst of all the support, caregivers often forget or don’t have time to take care of themselves. We encourage caregivers to take time for themselves and get the support they need.
For more information about Caregiver Support, visit: Cancer Support Community
To all the spouses, partners, siblings, children, and friends – we salute you and thank you for being one of the most important ingredients in the cancer patient’s enhanced quality of life.
Thank You!
Carcinoid Cancer
Carcinoid tumors are a type of slow-growing cancer that can arise in several places throughout your body. Carcinoid tumors, which are one subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors, usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, colon, rectum) or in the lungs.
Carcinoid tumors often don’t cause signs and symptoms until late in the disease. Carcinoid tumors can produce and release hormones into your body that cause signs and symptoms such as diarrhea or skin flushing.
Treatment for carcinoid tumors usually includes surgery and may include medications.
For more information, visit: Carcinoid Cancer
(Source: Mayo Clinic)
Lung Cancer
Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread, but some people with early lung cancer do have symptoms. If you go to your doctor when you first notice symptoms, your cancer might be diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective. The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
- A cough that does not go away or gets worse
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
- Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that don’t go away or keep coming back
- New onset of wheezing
For more information, visit: Lung Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach. It’s shaped a bit like a fish with a wide head, a tapering body, and a narrow, pointed tail. In adults it’s about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long but less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) wide.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for pancreatic cancer in the United States for 2022 are:
- About 62,210 people (32,970 men and 29,240 women) will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
- About 49,830 people (25,970 men and 23,860 women) will die of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US and about 7% of all cancer deaths.
It is slightly more common in men than in women.
The most common type of pancreatic cancer, adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, starts when exocrine cells in the pancreas start to grow out of control. Most of the pancreas is made up of exocrine cells which form the exocrine glands and ducts. The exocrine glands make pancreatic enzymes that are released into the intestines to help you digest foods (especially fats). The enzymes are released into tiny tubes called ducts which eventually empty into the pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct merges with the common bile duct (the duct that carries bile from the liver), and empties into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) at the ampulla of Vater.
For more information, visit: About Pancreatic Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer mostly affects older people. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 68. About 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for stomach cancer (also known as gastric cancer) in the United States for 2022 are:
- About 26,380 new cases of stomach cancer (15,900 in men and 10,480 in women)
- About 11,090 deaths from this type of cancer (6,690 men and 4,400 women)
Stomach cancer accounts for about 1.5% of all new cancers diagnosed in the US each year.
In the US, the number of new cases of stomach cancer has been dropping by about 1.5% each year over the last 10 years.
For much of the early 20th century, stomach cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but today it is well down on this list. The reasons for this aren’t completely clear, but two main factors are thought to have been important:
- The increased use of refrigeration for food storage, which has led to people eating fewer salted and smoked foods.
- The decline in the number of people infected with the Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacteria, which is thought to be a major cause of stomach cancer.
While stomach cancer has become less common in the US, it’s still much more common in some other parts of the world, particularly in East Asia. It remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world.
For more information, visit: Stomach Cancer
(Source: American Cancer Society)
December
…where cancer research
meets compassion
303-777-2663
1325 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. B400
Denver, CO 80222
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