This year 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer, and 570,000 will die from the disease. The good news is that significant advances in the treatment and preventive measures are contributing to declining rates of cancer.
To learn more, Smart Business spoke to cancer specialists Marsha Fink, M.D., medical oncologist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, and Joel Cherlow, M.D., radiation oncologist at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.
What causes cancer?
While causes are unknown, research is helping identify causes and cures. Since different cancers have varying risk factors, understanding them can help in prevention. Fortunately, some factors like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, getting plenty of exercise and limiting sun exposure help reduce your risk. Other risk factors — age, ethnicity, family history and inherited genes — cannot be changed. To assist patients in determining their risk for diseases that can be inherited, including colon, uterine, breast and ovarian cancer, our genetic counseling services help patients better understand the risk and prevention options.
Why are the rates declining?
We are witnessing much more effective diagnosis and treatment of major cancers. Screenings such as pap smears to detect cervical cancer, colonoscopies to identify colon cancer, mammograms to detect breast cancer and PSA tests to determine the likelihood of prostate cancer, are examples. Laws restricting smoking and education on its associated risks are stemming lung cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the onset of cancer. Vaccines like those used to prevent cervical cancer may be effective in other cancers as well. Emerging treatment technologies, techniques and drug discoveries continue to help us more accurately treat cancer with fewer side effects.
Can we access these advances locally?
When you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, choosing where to turn for cancer care is an important decision. The MemorialCare Cancer Institutes at Saddleback Memorial and Orange Coast Memorial have both been awarded the coveted national accreditation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer as comprehensive community cancer programs. MemorialCare is dedicated to early diagnosis, research, treatment and education of patients with cancer or serious blood disorders and ensuring our cancer patients have access to ongoing cancer research protocols.
The MemorialCare Medical Centers specialize in innovative treatments using some of the most advanced technologies, leading-edge surgical options, innovative therapies and treatments in Orange County to deliver the highest quality, comprehensive care. These range from screenings for multiple cancers and state-of-the-art diagnostic services to the most sophisticated radiation oncology programs — including the area’s only hospital-sited robotic CyberKnife for precise radiation therapy. Our comprehensive MemorialCare Breast Centers screen among the highest number of patients for breast cancer in Southern California.
