For many Americans, cancer is the most feared diagnosis. The lifetime probability of an invasive cancer is 44 percent for men and 38 percent for women. Yet significant advances and preventive measures are contributing to declining rates of cancer diagnoses and deaths.
To learn more, Smart Business spoke to Philip Di Saia, M.D., medical director, the Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and world renowned leader and researcher in gynecologic oncology; and Jerry Finklestein, M.D., highly regarded pediatric oncologist and founding medical director of Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.
What causes cancer?
While causes are unknown, research is helping identify causes and cures. Since different cancers have different risk factors, understanding them can help in prevention. Fortunately, some factors — like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and getting plenty of exercise — help reduce your risk of cancer. Other risk factors like age, ethnicity, family history and inherited genes cannot be changed. Genetic counseling offered through Long Beach Memorial Medical Center helps patients determine their risk for diseases that can be inherited, including colon, uterine, breast and ovarian cancer. Families with higher than expected numbers of cancer cases may benefit from a Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment consultation.
Why are the rates declining?
We are witnessing much more effective diagnosis and treatment of major cancers. Screenings, such as pap smears to identify cervical cancer, mammograms to detect breast cancer, colonoscopies to identify colon cancer and PSA tests to determine the likelihood of prostate cancer, are examples. Laws that restrict smoking and education on its associated risks are stemming lung cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also reduce the onset of cancer. Vaccines like those used to prevent cervical cancer in women may be effective in other cancers as well. Emerging treatment technologies, techniques and drug discoveries help us more accurately treat cancer with fewer side effects.
