According to statistics, men and women in the United States are more likely than ever to be diagnosed with certain kinds of cancer. There are a number of possible explanations for why this is the case, including new diagnostic tests, better screening and early detection programs, changes in risk factors—and even changes in how those risk factors manifest. No matter what the cause may be, it’s important to keep up to date on your personal risk of developing different types of cancer. If you have been wondering why you should check your cancer statistics, read on!
What cancers do Americans most commonly develop?
Contents
The most common types of cancer in the U.S. are colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. The most common cancers among females are lung and breast cancers, and among males, prostate and colorectal cancers. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S., followed by colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men.
Cancer Risk Factors To Know
There are many factors that may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers, including being a woman, being older, being of a certain race, having certain diseases, having certain genes, and certain behaviors. You may also be at increased risk of certain cancers if you’re a smoker, overweight, or have certain infections. As you age, your risk of certain cancers may increase, and men may be more likely than women to develop certain cancers, particularly if they have a family history of prostate or testicular cancer. Lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular physical activity, may reduce your risk of certain cancers.
Steps To Take After You’ve Checked Your Cancer Statistics
If you have checked your cancer statistics, you’re likely wondering why you need to do it again. There’s no real reason to, other than to be aware of your risk level for various cancers and plan for your future. If you’ve already checked your cancer statistics, you may be wondering whether the results changed. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure, but it typically takes at least a few years for a new change in cancer statistics to become apparent. It’s important to keep up with your cancer statistics, both to stay informed and to plan accordingly.
Check with the expert
We spoke to Dr. Shelley Malott oncology CRO to get further insight into why you should check your cancer statistics, what the risks are, and what you can do to reduce your risk. Malott is the medical director at Clinical Oncology and Hematology Associates, and she is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology/oncology, and critical care medicine. “The most important thing you can do is to have regular check-ups with your doctor,” she said. “It is possible to catch cancer early if you catch it early enough, and if you catch it at all, it is much less likely to spread to other parts of the body.”
