It seems that with each passing year, I am introduced to new types of cancer. Last year, my father was diagnosed with colon and prostate cancer. Unfortunately, cancer seems to run in the family. My aunt suffered several types of cancer, including cancer of the cervix before she succumbed to bone cancer five years ago.
While I always associated these types of cancer with the older generation, I've become one of them now. In the last six months, one of my close friends was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Simply uttering the word "cancer" fills people with dread. It seems to lead people to whisper its name, as in "You know Mary, well she has (cancer)." While it won't stop the fear, it's a relief that fatalities from cancers are dropping.
Modern medical research has increased the numbers of those successfully fighting this life-threatening illness. Clinical studies are teaching us more by the day about the various types of cancer.
Take cancer of the cervix, for example. Researchers looking into this killer disease have recently determined that it is caused by a virus. Understanding its causes has allowed for vaccinations to be developed which will protect women world wide. It is definitely a cause for celebrations.
Unfortunately, this breakthrough is one-of-a-kind as the medical profession are still searching for other cancer causes and cures. But, it definitely provides hope for the future.
When it comes to treatment, some types of cancer can be treated more easily. Factors such as your age, medical history and when it was discovered also play a role in determining your chances. If you are fortunate enough to have your cancer detected early, you will have a great success rate.
Your family's medical history increases your risk of developing certain types of cancer. To keep these risks in check, speak to a doctor so you can have regular checkups which will detect things early-on.
But, even your family is cancer-free, you are still at risk. While we will often assume it happens with age, kids and young adults are not immune from these life-threatening illnesses.
Fortunately, the more research that focuses on these various types of cancer, the greater chance we have of beating it once and for all. Although we don't have a 100% cure for types of cancer, survival rates are on the increase. Effective treatments and detecting types of cancer at early stages have helped this.
While chemo, radiotherapy and surgical procedures aren't pain-free or easy to endure, these have become more effective with each passing year. Just as researchers have benefited from understanding the various types of cancer, you too will benefit from knowledge about them. After all, if you understand the symptoms, you can get it treated before it is too late.
