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September/October 2007 Alternative Health
Cancer Facts

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, according to the American Cancer Society. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.

Causes of cancer

Environmental, as opposed to hereditary factors, account for an estimated 75% of cancer cases in the U.S.

Environmental factors

  • Tobacco
  • Chemicals
  • Radiation
  • Infectious organisms

Hereditary factors

  • Inherited mutations
  • Hormones
  • Immune conditions
  • Metabolism mutations
Rates of cancer

Approximately 1.4 million Americans will develop cancer in 2007.

Pacific Northwest

  • Idaho 6,140
  • Oregon 18,630
  • Washington 31,080
Leading types of cancer

Male

  • Prostate 29%
  • Lung & bronchus 15%
  • Colon & rectum 10%
  • Urinary bladder 7%
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 4%

Female

  • Breast 26%
  • Lung & bronchus 15%
  • Colon & rectum 11%
  • Uterine corpus 6%
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma 4%

Source: American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.