Who Gets Cancer?

 

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, after heart disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer at some point during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society predicts that 1,529,560 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2010.

Cancer does not discriminate. Although the risk of cancer increases as we get older, people of any age and racial or ethnic background can and do get cancer.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
Latest Cancer News
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February 9, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - About two-thirds of women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer want to take part in making decisions about their treatment, according to a new survey of patients from five different countries.

Cancer trial participants may have misconceptions

February 9, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People enrolled in early stage trials for possible cancer treatments may underestimate the risks involved and overestimate the potential benefits, suggests a new study.

Breast cancer kills older women more often

February 7, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Breast cancer is often considered more deadly among younger women, but a new study shows older women are actually more likely to die of the disease.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health