Health @ Hfgrotto

While heart disease mortality rates have declined steadily over the past 50 years, cancer mortality rates have increased consistently in the same period. Based on current rates, about 83 million-or one in three of us now living-will eventually develop cancer. Many factors have contributed to the rise in cancer mortality, but the increase in the incidence of lung cancer is probably the most important reason. Despite these gloomy predictions, recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of many forms of cancer have reduced much of the fear and mystery that once surrounded this disease.

Heightened public awareness and an improved prognosis for cancer victims have made the cancer experience less threatening and isolating than it once was (see Table 18.2). While you may hear of some stories of recovering cancer patients experiencing job discrimination and being unable to obtain health or life insurance, these cases are increasingly fewer. Several states have even enacted legislation to prevent insurance companies from canceling policies or from instituting other forms of discrimination. Health insurance can be obtained through large employers. Because large employers spread the insurance risk among many employees, insurance companies accept all new employees without underwriting. On the personal side, assistance for the cancer patient is more readily available than ever before. Cancer support groups, cancer information workshops, and low-cost medical consultation are just a few of the forms of assistance now offered in many communities. Breast cancer activists learned a great deal from the success of the AIDS activists who pressured Congress to provide funds for AIDS research. The National Breast Cancer Coalition and other grass-roots groups have lobbied to increase cancer research dollars. Their efforts have been paying off. Government funding went from $87 million in 1990 to $520 million in 1996. The battle for funds continues. Increasing efforts in cancer research, improvements in diagnostic equipment, and advances in treatment provide hope for the future.

Cancer’s Seven Warning Signals
1. Changes In bowel or bladder habits.
2. A sore that does not heal.
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.
4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6. Obvious change in a wart or mole.
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness.