Which type of cancer is more often seen in men and women?

1. Which type of cancer is more often seen in men and women?

2. Cancer is a group of diseases concerning rapid faulty cell growth in our body causing tumours which have the potential to spread to other body parts. These are not the same as benign tumours, which do not spread to other body parts and are non-fatal when removed. Today, there are over 100 types of cancers affecting humans. Leukaemia is a type of cancer which starts from blood cells. This type of cancer does not form solid tumours. The cells instead build up rapidly in the blood or even the bone marrow.

3. Common Types of Cancers • We can classify cancers basing on the type of cell they start in. 5 commonly seen cancers are listed below. • Carcinoma • It is cancer that starts in the skin or in the tissues that shield or cover internal organs. There are various subtypes in this type of cancer. • 2. Sarcoma • It is cancer that begins in the connective or supportive tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, cartilage or blood vessels.

4. Common Types of Cancers 3. Leukaemia It is a cancer which starts from blood cells and does not form solid tumors. Instead, the cells rapidly build up in the blood or even the bone marrow. 4. Lymphoma and Myeloma These cancers start with the cells in the immune system. 5. The Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers As the name says, these cancers start with abnormal cell growth in the brain and spinal cord. These cancers are also known are Central Nervous System Cancers.

5. Causes of Cancer Cancers are majorly (90%-95%) caused because of genetic mutations from environmental factors which mean that they are not genetically inherited. Rest of them (5%-10%) is caused due to hereditary. Environmental factors here refer to the factors that are not inherited by genes. They include factors such as lifestyle, economic and behavioural factors, pollution, etc.

6. Most common environmental factors causing cancer with their respective percentages are listed below. • Tobacco (25–30%), • Diet and obesity (30–35%), • Infections (15–20%), • Radiation (up to 10%), Everyone has a minuscule chance of developing cancer due to various other reasons. However, in few cases, it cannot be proved what factor exactly caused cancer. Except in the cases of pregnancies and organ donors, cancer is a non transmissible disease.

7. Statistics of Cancer in India About 2.5 million people in India are affected and living with cancer. Over 7 lakh new cancer patients get themselves registered every year. Nearly 5,56,400 people die every year due to cancer. One woman dies of cervical cancer in every 8 minutes. Out of two freshly diagnosed women with breast cancer, one dies. As many as 2,500 people die every day due to tobacco-related diseases. It accounts for 1 in every 5 deaths among men and 1 in every 20 deaths among women. According to the estimates, there were about 9,30,000 deaths in the year 2010 alone.

8. Breast cancer is the most commonly seen cancer among women. And, oral cancer is the most commonly seen cancer among men. Top 5 cancers seen in men and women are listed in the table below. Common Cancers (women): Breast Cancer, Cervix Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Ovary Cancer, Lip & Oral Cancer Common cancers (men): Lip & Oral Cancer, Cancer Lung Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pharynx Cancer

9. Precautions to Prevent Cancer About 1/3rd of the most common cancers can be prevented by having a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight and indulging in regular physical activity. • Stick to healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and beans. • Resist high-calorie foods and avoid sugary drinks. • Limit salty foods and red meat intake. Avoid all sorts of processed foods in your diet. • Keep a check on your weight and make sure it is within the healthy range.