From advances in basic research to the development of new ways of detecting and treating cancer, the face of cancer today is much more hopeful than it was even five years ago, and the future holds even more promise. Over 8 million Americans alive today have a history of cancer. More than half of cancer patients today will be cured or will live long periods of time following their diagnosis. After increasing from 1973 to 1990, the number of new cases of cancer each year has declined slightly during the 1990s. This spread of cancer from its original site accounts for most deaths from cancer.
Cancer can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender or race.
Of course, certain types such as testicular and prostate cancer affect only men, while others such as ovarian and cervical cancer affect only women. In addition, some cancers are more common among certain age groups and races. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1,220,100 new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year and about 552,200 Americans will die from cancer, making cancer second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death in America. Though cancer remains a major killer, a diagnosis doesn't bear the same finality it once did. Today, patients can often select from a number of treatment options treatment options , and thanks to medical advances and improvements in technology, they can also help plot their own course of treatment.