Heart disease is used to describe disease, which affects the body's blood circulation. Any disruption of the blood, such as a blood clot, or thrombosis, can stop blood from reaching the brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease is most common in the western world. Treatment includes drugs that steady the pulse and lower blood pressure. Surgery is often performed to install pace makers to steady the heartbeat, or in heart bypasses where furred arteries are removed.
Heart transplants are also an option but remain risky.
Cancer is the general term used to refer to malignant tumours on the body, caused by the uncontrolled growth of particular cells. The most common kind of cancer for men is lung cancer, whilst for women, it is breast cancer. Tumours of the colon and rectum are also common. Age plays an important factor in a person's chances of developing the disease. If diagnosed early, cancerous cells can often be successfully removed by surgery.