Common types of cancer:

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a malignant tumor forms from cells
within the breast. It occurs most frequently in women; however, men can develop breast
cancer, although much less frequently. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in
every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common
cancer among women, aside from skin cancer.

Risk Factors and Causes of Breast Cancer

Research is ongoing to identify the exact causes of breast cancer. Researchers have,
however, identified several breast cancer risk factors. A risk factor is something that
increases the chance that a person will develop a disease. It is not a guarantee and does
not predict a future diagnosis. Risk factors for breast cancer include:

Age
As we grow older, our risk of developing breast cancer increases. It is estimated
that 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or older. This doesn't mean that
younger women aren't at risk. Young women are diagnosed with breast cancer, just much
less frequently.

Family and Personal History of Breast Cancer

Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer doubles your risk of the
disease. While family history can play a role in breast cancer development, women
shouldn't subscribe to the popular belief that women without a family history of breast
cancer aren't at risk. The American Cancer Society estimates that 70 to 80% of women
with breast cancer do not have a family history that includes breast cancer.

Women who have previously been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer are at a
greater risk of developing breast cancer again.

Race
Of all women, Caucasian women are diagnosed more frequently than women of
other races. Though Caucasian women are the most at risk, it is African American
women who die of the disease the most. Asian, Native American, and Hispanic women
have less of a risk.
Colon cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the large intestine. Our colons
are about 6 feet long and allow waste to travel from the small intestine to the rectum.
Like other organs in our body, the colon is vulnerable to many diseases and conditions,
like cancer.

Colon Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

At this time, we can't exactly pinpoint what causes colon cancer, but we do know
what may make our risk of developing colon cancer greater. Risk factors for colon cancer
include:

Family Medical History

If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be at a greater risk of
developing the disease, too. A person does not need a family history of colon cancer to
have colon cancer; it is most commonly diagnosed in those without a family history.

Personal Medical History

Having polyps, small growths in the colon, puts you at risk of developing colon
cancer. Seventy percent to 90% of colon cancer cases develop from polyps, and having
them removed reduces your risk of colon cancer. Once removed, they can return, which
makes colon cancer screening a vital part of maintaining colon health. You are also more
at risk if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that causes the
colon to become inflamed.
Other Identified Risk Factors

There are many other identified colon cancer risk factors, such as smoking
cigarettes, consuming alcohol, level of physical activity, obesity, and diagnosis of type 2
diabetes.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages, colon cancer usually doesn't have symptoms. As the disease
progresses, which can take years, symptoms include:
 blood in stools
 persistent constipation, diarrhea, or other bowel changes
 thinner stools
 unexplained weight loss
 abdominal pain and discomfort- generally feeling full, bloated, or cramping
 abdominal tenderness or pain
 fatigue
These colon cancer symptoms are not unique and can also be symptoms of many
other conditions.
Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells develop in the tissue of the
lungs. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women and is also the
leading cause of cancer death in Americans.

There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small
cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20% of diagnoses and is most
always caused by smoking. Don't let the name "small cell" fool you. While the cancer
cells are small, they spread quickly and can develop into large masses. Non-small cell
lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, and there are several subtypes based
on where in the lungs the cancer has developed and other factors.

Lung Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Smoking is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, accounting for more than
80% of lung cancer diagnoses. Cigarettes aren't the only culprit; cigars and pipes are
known causes of lung cancer as well.

Smokers aren't the only ones at risk for lung cancer. Nonsmokers increase their risk
through other sources, such as secondhand smoke, which increases their risk of
developing lung cancer by 20 to 30%. Other risk factors for lung cancer include:

 exposure to asbestos
 exposure to radon
 exposure to radiation
 family history of lung cancer

Lung Cancer Symptoms

 persistent cough that does not go away with treatment

 wheezing
 coughing up blood or bloody phlegm
 shortness of breath
 recurring bronchitis or pneumonia
 pain in the chest, shoulder or neck
Leukemia

Leukemia is a disease that affects blood-forming cells in the body. It is a

cancerous condition characterized by an abundance of abnormal white blood cells in the
body. Leukemia begins in the bone marrow and spreads to other parts of the body. Both
children and adults can develop leukemia.

Types of Leukemia

Leukemia can be divided into four different types. It is first classified as acute or chronic.

In chronic leukemia, the leukemia cells come from mature, abnormal cells. The cells
thrive for too long and accumulate. These type of cells slowly multiply.

Acute leukemia, on the other hand, develop from early cells, called "blasts," which are
young cells that divide frequently. In acute leukemia cells, they don't stop dividing like
their normal counterparts do.

Myelogenous vs. Lymphocytic

After being classified as acute or chronic, it is then classified by the type of cells in which
the leukemia started from. It can either be myelogenous or lymphocytic.

Myelogenous leukemia develops from myeloid cells. The disease can either be chronic or
acute, referred to as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute myelogenous
leukemia (AML). There are several types of myelogenous leukemia.

Lymphocytic Leukemia

Lymphocytic leukemia develops from cells called "lymphoblasts" or "lymphocytes" in

the blood marrow. The disease can be acute or chronic, referred to as chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). There are several
types of lymphocytic leukemia.

Causes and Risk Factors of Leukemia

Researchers have identified several causes and risk factors for leukemia. It happens in:

• people older than the age of 60, but it can occur in younger people
• people who smoke
• people who have undergone previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• people infected with the human T-cell leukemia virus, a virus that infects T-cells
that is spread by sharing syringes and used to inject drugs; through blood
transfusions; through sexual contact; and from mother to child at birth or through
breastfeeding
• people with myelodysplasctic syndrome, a blood disorder
 • people with Down syndrome

Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia symptoms can occur all of a sudden or gradually. The symptoms are broad, but
there are specific signs of leukemia to keep an eye out for:

• fever
• infection
• excessive bruising
• fatigue
• physical exercise intolerance
• abdominal pain, or generally feeling fullness
• weight loss
• abnormal bleeding
• enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and/or liver
• weakness
Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men. The prostate is
located beneath the bladder, in front of the rectum, and wraps around part of the urethra.

Causes and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer

We have yet to discover the exact causes of prostate cancer, but researchers have
identified risk factors. Prostate cancer risk factors include:

Age
As men age, the risk of developing prostate cancer naturally increases. At age 50,
the risk dramatically increases.
Race
The risk of prostate cancer is higher among African Americans, intermediate
among Caucasians, and lowest among Asian and Hispanic males. The reason behind risk
inequalities among the races has not been found.

Family History
Having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases your risk. Studies show
that prostate cancer can run in families and inherited genetic mutations may be the cause.
You don't need a family history to be at risk. However, most diagnosed men do not have
a family history of the disease.

Diet
Ongoing studies question how diet affects prostate cancer development. Some
studies suggest that a diet high in animal and dairy fats may slightly raise a man's risk.
Other studies suggest a diet low in fruits and vegetables may also increase the risk.

• How Saturated Fats Increase Your Prostate Risk

• How More Sex Can Decrease Your Prostate Cancer Risk

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer symptoms do not usually appear until the disease has spread beyond
the prostate gland. As prostate cancer advances, the prostate constricts the urethra,
causing difficulties in urination -- a common symptom. Prostate cancer symptoms
include: burning or pain during urination
 inability to urinate even though you feel the urge to
 frequent urination, especially during the night
 weak urine stream
 blood in urine or semen
 lower back pain, ache, or stiffness; may also occur in hips and upper thighs
 painful ejaculation
Symptoms related to urination may be common with prostate cancer, but are also
symptoms related to other prostate conditions like an inflamed or enlarged prostate.

Some ways to prevent cancer

Cancer prevention is easier than you think. With a few simple lifestyle changes,
you can drastically reduce your risk of many types of cancer. Many factors play a role in
cancer development, but the good news is that most can be avoided.

Avoid Smoking and Exposure to Smoke

Smoking is the most significant cancer risk factor that we can reduce. It is
responsible for not only lung cancer, but many other types of cancer. One of the best
ways to prevent cancer is to quit smoking or never start. As soon as you quit, and it's
never too late, your body reaps the benefits of being tobacco-free.
Avoiding secondhand smoke is also a way to prevent cancer. Secondhand smoke is the
smoke exhaled from a smoker or a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar. This smoke contains more
than 60 known carcinogens". These carcinogens interrupt normal cell development. This
interference is what ignites cancer development.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

A well-balanced diet is advantageous for many reasons. A diet rich in fruits and
vegetables greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer and many other conditions.

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells. Green,
orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are your best bet to help prevent cancer. Studies
also show that dark fruits, like blueberries and grapes, may also have anti-cancer
properties.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower appear to pack a powerful punch
at preventing cancer, according to numerous studies. Other cruciferous vegetables include
bok choy, Brussel sprouts, and cabbage.

Limit Red Meat and Animal Fat

Numerous studies show that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several
types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Red meat contains much more fat than poultry
and fish, so reducing the amount of red meat in your diet may help to prevent cancer. A
diet high in fat also is major cause of obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of
cancer.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly increases your risk factor for
many types of cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks per day
and women who have 1 alcoholic drink per day significantly increase their risk factors for
certain types of cancer.

Exercise for Cancer Prevention

Did you know that when you are exercise, you are reducing your risk for many
types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or minutes, at
least 5 days a week for cancer prevention. Exercising doesn't have to mean going to the
gym to lift weights. There are plenty of ways to get exercise into your day.

Know Your Personal and Family Medical History

Knowing your family history of cancer is important to properly assess your risk
factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and
possibly other types can be hereditary.

If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know.
Together, you can determine a proper screening plan and assess your true risk. Genetic
testing and counseling is available and may be recommended based on your family's
medical history.

Know What You're Being Exposed to in Your Work Environment

Chemicals in the workplace may increase your risk of developing many types of
cancer, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer. If you are exposed to fumes, dust,
chemicals, etc. in the workplace, you have a legal right to know what you are being
exposed to. Gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates,
coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers are all carcinogens and can be found
in some work environments. Talk to your employer about limiting exposure.

Practice Safe Sex

You may wonder what sex has to do with cancer. Unsafe sex can result in the
infection of the human papillomairus (HPV), a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk
factor for many other types of cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection
that is spread through sexual, skin-to-skin contact. A vaccine, Gardasil, to prevent HPV
was approved by the FDA in 2006 and protects against four strains of HPV that are
associated with cervical cancer and other types. HIV/AIDS is also associated with some
types of cancers.