Philip Morris
Cancer Facts & Figures - 890000
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C A N C E R F A C T 5 A N D F I G U R E s 1 9 8 9
SELECTED CANCER SITES
the use of postmenopausal estrogens in terms of the
benefit an.d risk to the individual patient.
Treatmiealt: Uterine cancers generally are treated by
surgery or radiation, or by a combination of the two.
In precancerous (in situ) stages, changes in the cervix
may be treated by cryotherapy (the destruction of cells
by extrem e cold), by electrocoagulation (the destruction
of tissue through intense heat by electric current)
or by local surgery. Precancerous endometrial changes
may be treated with the hormone progesterone.
Survival: The 5-year survival rate for all cervical
cancer patients is 66%. For patients diagnosed early,
however, the rate is 80-90%. Cancer in situ is virtually
100%. The figures for endometrial cancer are 83% all
stages, 91% early and virtually 100% for endometrial
precancerous lesions. During a recent 10-year period,
there was moderate improvement for both uterine sites.
®VARIAN CANCER
Incider ce: An estimated 20,000 new cases in the
United Si:ates in 1989. It is estimated that about 1.4%
or one out of every 70 newborn girls will develop ovar-
ian cancer during her lifetime. It accounts for 4% of
all cancers among women and 27% of the cancers of
the female reproductive system.
Mortality: An estimated 12,000 deaths in 1989.
Although ovarian cancer ranks second in incidence
among gynecological cancers, it causes more deaths
than any other cancer of the female reproductive
system.
Warning Signals: Ovarian cancer is often "silent,"
showing no obvious signs or symptoms until late in
its development. The most common sign is an enlarged
abdomen caused by the collection of fluid. Rarely will
there be abnormal vaginal bleeding. In women over
40, vague digestive disturbances (stomach discomfort,
gas, distention) which persist and cannot be explained
by any oth er cause may indicate the need for a thorough
checkup for ovarian cancer.
Risk Factors: Risk for ovarian cancer increases with
age, with highest rates for women 65-84. Women who
have never had children are twice as likely to develop
ovarian cancer as those who have. A number of inter-
related, reproductive factors,, such as age at first live
birth, age at first pregnancy, and number of pregnan-
cies are all involved in varying degrees. In addition,
years of ovulation, the product of a number of other
interrelated factors such as length of pregnancies and
oral contraceptive use (which may themselves actually
decrease risk), are also tied to an observed increased
risk. Breast and endometrial cancer increases a.woman's
chances of developing ovarian cancer twofold. Patients
with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of ovarian
cancer, although risk decreases over time following
diagnosis of their colorectal cancer. Some rare genetic
disorders are associated with increased risk. Incidence
rates are higher in North America and Northern Europe,
and lower in Asia and Africa. Rates are significantly
higher for nuns, Jewish women, and women who have
never been married.
Early Detection: Periodic, thorough pelvic examina-
tions are important. The Pap test, useful in detecting cervical
cancer, does not reveal ovarian cancer. Women over the age
of 40 should have a cancer-related checkup every year.
Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy and drug ther-
apy are all options in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Surgical treatment usually includes the removal of one
or both ovaries, the uterus (hysterectomy) and the
fallopian tubes. In some very early tumors, only the
involved ovary may be removed, especially in young
women. In advanced disease, an attempt is made to
remove all intra-abdominal disease to enhance the effect
of chemotherapy.
Survival: If ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated
early, about 85% of such patients live 5 years or longer.
However, when diagnosed in an advanced stage, the
survival rate drops to 23%. It has improved with mod-
em chemotherapeutic agents. Overall, the survival rate
for ovarian cancer is 38%.
ORAL CANCER
Incidence~~ An estimated 31,000 new cases in 1989.
Incidence is more than twice as high in males as in
females, and i.; most frequent in men over age 40. Cancer
can affect any part of the oral cavity, from lip to tongue
to mouth and throat.
Mortality: An estimated 8,650 deaths in 1989.
Warning Si:gnals: A sore that bleeds easily and
doesn't heal; a lump or thickening; a reddish or whitish
patch that peisists. Difficulty in chewing, swallowing
or moving tongue or jaws are often late changes.
Risk Factors: Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking; use
of smokeless tobacco; excess use of alcohol.
Early Detection: Dentists and primary care physi-
cians have the opportunity, during regular checkups,
to see abnormal tissue changes and to detect cancer
at an early and curable stage.
Treatment: Principal methods are radiation therapy
and surgery. Chemotherapy is being studied as an aid
to surgery in advanced disease.
Survival: Five-year survival rates vary substantially
depending on the site. Rates range from 32% for cancer
of the pharynx to 91% for lip cancer. Overall, 5-year
survival for oral cancer patients is about 51%.
11

C A N C E R F A C T S A N D F 1 G U R E S
SELECTED CANCER Sal°ES
1 9 8 9
CANCER INCIDENCE AND DEATH S B Y SITE AND SEX-1989 ESTIMATES
CANCIER INCIDENCE BY SITE AND SEXt CANCER DEATHS BY SITE AND SEX
SKIN I 3% 3% SKIN SKIN 2yo 1% SKIN
ORAL ~ 4% 2% ORAL ORAL ORAL
LUNG [20% 28% BREAST LUNG 357% 18% BREAST
COLON &~14oJo 11% LUNG
RECTUM l. COLON & 11% 21% LUNG
RECTUM
15% COLON &
PANCREAS [3% RECTUM 13% COLON &
PANCREAS 5% RECTUM
PROSTATE [t1°Jo 3% PANCREAS PROSTATE j1% rJ°Jo PANCREAS
4% OVARY
URINARY C'0°Jo 5% OVARY
URINARY nj /0 0
LEUKEMIA & 7 l;°JQ g°Jo UTERUS
LYMPHOMAS I_ LEUKEMIA & 9pofO 4°lo UTERUS
LYMPHOMAS
4% URINARY
ALL OTHER 3°lo URINARY
ALL OTHER 20%
7oJO LEUKEMIA & 9oJ0 LEUKEMIA &
LYMPHOMAS LYMPHOMAS
l4°Jo ALL OTHER 20°lo ALL OTHER
fiExcluding non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ.
®
PROSTATE CANCER
Incidence: An estimated 103,000 new cases in the
United States durilg 1989. About one out of 11 men
will develop prost2 te cancer at some time during his
lifetime. The third highest incidence of cancer in men,
next to skin cancer and lung cancer.
Mortality: An estimated 28,500 deaths in 1989, the
third leading cause of cancer deaths in men.
Warning Signals: Most signs or symptoms of pros-
tate cancer are nonspecific, and do not distinguish from
benign conditions such as infection or prostate enlarge-
ment. These include weak or interrupted flow of urine;
inability to urinate or difficulty in starting urination;
need to urinate frequently, especially at night; blood
in the urine; urine flow that is not easily stopped; painful
or burning urination; continuing pain in lower back,
pelvis or upper thighs.
Risk Factors: Incidence increases with age through
the most advanced ages; about 80% of all prostate
cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The
disease is more common in northwest Europe and
North America; rare in the Near East, Africa, Central
and South America. Black Americans have the highest
rate of incidence in the world for reasons not currently
known. There is sor.ae familial association, but it is
unclear whether thi:> is due to genetic or environmental
association. Dietary fat may be a factor, based on studies
conducted internatio,nally. Workers who work with
cadmium are found ta be at slightly higher risk. Studies
of migrating populations have suggested that environ-
mental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, may play an
important role in the risk of developing cancer of the
prostate.
Early Detection: Every man over 40 should have a
rectal exam as part of his regular annual physical
checkup. A new technique, prostate ultrasound is being
investigated for the early detection of small non-
palpable cancers. This new approach may be of special
benefit:to high risk men.,Men over 40 should be alert
to changes such as urinary difficulties, continuing pain
in lower back, pelvis or upper thighs, and should see
their physician immediately should any occur. The key
to saving lives from prostate cancer is early detection
and treatment.
Treatment: Surgery, alone or in combination with
radiation and/or hormones, and anticancer drugs are
all options available in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Surgery or radiation therapy may be the treatment
chosen to cure prostate cancer if it is found in an early
localized state. Hormone treatment and anticancer
drugs also may control prostate cancer for long periods
by shrinking the size of the tumor and greatly relieving
pain.
Survival: Sixty-four percent of all prostate cancers
are discovered while still localized within the general
region of the prostate; 84% of all patients whose tumors
are diagnosed at this stage are alive 5 years after
treatment. Survival rates for all stages combined have
steadily improved since 1940, and in the last 20 years
have increased from 48% to 71%.
12

C A N C E R F A C T S A N D F I G U R E S 1 98 9
SELECTED CANCER SITES
BLADDER CANCER
Incidence: An estimated 47,000 new cases of bladder
cancer in 1989; 34,500 in males, 12,500 in females. Blad-
der c:ancers account for 7% of the new cancer cases
diagnosed each year in men and 3% in women. Bladder
cancer is the 5th most common form of cancer in males
and 10th most common form of cancer in females in
this country.
McM:ality: An estimated"10,200 deaths in 1989 from
bladder cancers, the 8th leading cause of cancer deaths
in males and 14th in females.
Warning Signals: Blood in the urine. Usually asso-
ciated with increased frequency of urination.
Risk Factors: Smoking is the greatest risk factor in
bladder cancer, with smokers experiencing twice the
risk of nonsmokers. Smoking is estimated to be respon-
sible ;Eor about 49% of the bladder cancers among men
and 10% among women. Overall, the incidence rate
of bladder cancer is 4 times as great among men as
women, and higher in whites than in blacks. People
living in urban areas, and dye, rubber and leather
workers also are at higher risk. Coffee and artificial
sweeteners have been found to increase cancer risk
in a few studies but most studies have not found an
increased risk.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of bladder cancer is achieved
by examination of the bladder wall with a cystoscope,
a slender tube fitted with a lens and light that can
be inserted into the tract through the urethra.
Treatment: Surgery, alone or in combination with
other treatments, is used in 92% of cases.
Survival: The 5-year survival rate for bladder cancer
is 88% when detected in an early stage. For those can-
cers more advanced, the survival rate drops to 41%.
SKIN CANCER
Incidence: Over 500,000 cases a year, the vast major-
ity of which are highly curable basal or squamous cell
cance!rs. They are more common among individuals
with lightly pigmented skin, living at latitudes near
the equator. The most serious skin cancer is malignant
melanoma, which strikes about 27,000 persons each
year. The incidence of melanoma is increasing at the
rate of ,3.4% per year.
Mortality: An estimated 8,200 deaths this year, 6,000
from malignant melanoma, and 2,200 due to other skin
cancers.
Warning Signals: Any unusual skin condition,
especially a change in the size or color of a mole or
other darkly pigmented growth or spot. Scaliness,
oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule,
the spread of pigment beyond the border, a change
in sen sation, itchiness, tenderness -or pain are all
warning signs of melanoma.
Risk Factors: Excessive exposure to the sun; fair
compaexion; occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch,
creosote, arsenic compounds or radium. Among blacks,
because of heavy skin pigmentation, skin cancer is
negligible. One study has found that severe sunburn
in childhood carries with it an excessive risk of mel-
anoma in later life.
Prevention: Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and
3 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are strongest, and use
protective clothing. Use one of a number of sunscreen
preparations, especially those containing such ingre-
dients as PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). They come
in varying strengths, ranging from those that permit
graduzil tanning to those allowing practically no tanning
at all. Children, in particular, should be protected from
traumatiic sunburns.
Early Detection: Early detection is critical. Recog-
nition of changes in or the appearance of new skin
growths is the best way to find early skin cancer. Basal
and squamous cell skin cancers often take the form
of a pale, waxlike, pearly nodule, or a red scaly, sharply
outlined patch. A sudden or continuous change in a
mole's appearance should be checked by a physician.
Melanomas often start as small, mole-like growths that
increase in size, change color, become ulcerated and
bleed easily from a slight injury. There is a simple ABCD
rule that will help individuals remember the warning
signs of melanoma: A is for asymmetry. One half of
the mole does not match the other half. B is for border
irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
C is for color. The pigmentation is not uniform. D is
for diameter greater than 6 millimeters. Any sudden
or continuing increase in size should be of special
concern.
Adults should practice skin self-examination once a
month.
Treatment: There are four methods of treatment:
surgery (used in 90% of cases), radiation therapy,
electrodesiccation (tissue destruction by heat), or
cryosurgery (tissue destruction by freezing) for early
skin cancer.
For malignant melanoma, adequate surgical excision
of the primary growth is indicated. Nearby lymph nodes
may be removed. The microscopic examination of all
suspicious moles is essential. Advanced cases of
melanoma are treated on an individual basis.
Survival: For basal cell and squamous cell cancers,
cure is highly likely with early detection and treatment.
Malignant melanoma can spread to other parts of the
body quickly. However, when detected in its earliest
stages, with proper treatment, it is highly curable.
The overall 5-year survival rate for white patients
with malignant melanoma is 80% compared with 95%
for patients with other kinds of skin cancer. The
5-year survival rate for localized malignant melanoma
is 89%; however, the survival rate, once melanoma has
spread, is 39%.
13
202554591202

C A N C E R F A C T 5 A N D
F I G U R E S 1 9 8 9
SELECTED CANCER StT'ES
PANCREATIC CANCER
Incidence: An estimated 27,000 new cases in the
United States in 1989.1'ancreatic cancer is the 5th leading
cancer killer. The incidence rate of pancreatic cancer
among U.S. blacks is about 1.5 times higher than for
whites.
li4ortality: An estimated 25,000 deaths in 1989 due
to pancreatic cancer. From 1954 to 1984, the death rates
for pancreatic caj.lcer in the United States rose 12% to
10.2 deaths per 100,000 men. During the same period,
the death rates for women rose 26% to 7.2 deaths per
100,000 women.
Warning SignadLs: Cancer of the pancreas is a "silent"
disease, one that occurs without symptoms until it is
advanced.
Itisk Factors: F:isk increases with age after age 30,
with the highest frequency of incidence occurring
between ages 65 a nd 79. Smoking is a major risk factor,
incidence is more than twice as high for smokers versus
nonsmokers. The disease is 30% more common in men,
and occurs about 50%o more frequently in black, versus
white Americans. Some studies, as yet unconfirmed,
suggest an association with chronic pancreatitis, dia-
betes and cirrhosis. High-fat diets may be a risk factor,
countries with higher fat consumption levels have
higher pancreatic cancer rates. Coffee has been inves-
tigated as a possible risk factor, but no conclusive evi-
dence is currently available.
Early Detection: Research has focused on ways to
diagnose pancreatic cancer before it is advanced enough
to cause symptoms. Ultrasound and CT scans are being
tried, but to date only a biopsy yields a certain
diagnosis.
Prevention: Very little is known about what causes
the disease, or how to prevent it.
Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy and anti-cancer
drugs are used to treat pancreatic cancer, but so far
have had little influence on outcome. In 59% of cases,
diagnosis is so late that none of these is used.
Survival: Only 4% of patients live more than 3 years
after diagnosis. The 2% of patients whose cancers occur
in the insulin-producing cells, and not the duct cells
of the pancreas tend to live longer; about 30% of these
patients live more than 3 years after diagnosis.
LEUKEMIA
Incidence: An estimated 27,300 new cases in 1989,
about half of them acute leukemia, and half of them
chronic leukemia, Although it is often thought of as
primarily a childhood disease, leukemia strikes many
more adults (25,000 cases per year compared with 2,300
in children). Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for
about 1,800 of the cases of leukemia among children,
whereas in adults the most common types are acute
granulocytic (about 8,000 cases annually), and chronic
lymphocytic (9,6(N) cases annually).
1Vlortality: An es,timated 18,100 deaths in 1989.
Warning Signals: Symptoms of acute leukemia in
children can appear suddenly. Early signs may include
fatigue, paleness, weight loss, repeated infections, easy
bruising, nose bleeds or other hemorrhages. Chronic
leukemia can progress slowly and with few symptoms.
Risk Factors: Leukemia, a cancer of the bloodforming
tissues, strikes both sexes and all ages. Causes of most
cases are unknown. Individuals with Down's syndrome
(mongolism) and certain other hereditary abnormalities
have higher than normal incidence of leukemia. It has
also been linked to excessive exposure to radiation and
certain chemicals such as benzene.
Early Detection: Leukemia may be difficult to diag-
nose early because symptoms often appear to be those
of other less serious conditions. When a physician does
suspect leukemia, a diagnosis can be made through
blood tests and am examination of bone marrow.
Treatment: Chemotherapy is the most effective meth-
od of treating leuk _mia. Today, continuing research in
leading U.S. medird centers is yielding new and better
drugs for treating leukemia patients. A variety of anti-
cancer drugs are used, either in combinations or as
single agents. To prevent persistence of hidden cells,
therapy of the central nervous system has become
standard treatment, especially in acute lymphocytic
leukemia. Under appropriate conditions, bone marrow
transplantation may be useful in the treatment of certain
leukemias.
When leukemia occurs, millions of abnormal, imma-
ture white blood cells are released into the circulatory
systems. These abnormal cells crowd out normal white
cells to fight infection, platelets to control hemorrhaging
and red blood cells to prevent anemia. Transfusions
of blood components and antibiotics are used as
supportive treatments.
Survival: The overall, average 5-year survival rate for
white patients with leukemia is 33%, due partly to very
poor survival of patients with some types of leukemia
such as acute granulocytic. The 5-year survival rate
for black patients is 28%. Over the last 30 years, however,
there has been a dramatic improvement in survival of
patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia: From a 5-
year survival of 4% for white males diagnosed in the
early 1960's to 27% in the early 1970's to 46% around
1980; for white females diagnosed in the same time
periods, from 3% to 29%a to 52%. In white children,
the improvement has been from 4% to 68%. Moreover,
in some medical centers, optimum treatment has raised
survival of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia
up to 75%.
14

FIVE-YEAR CANCER SURVIVAL RATES* FOR SELECTED SITES
ORAL
COLON-
RECTUM
PANCREAS
LUNG
MELANOMA
FEMALE
BREAST
CERVIX
UTERI
IJTERI
OVARY
PROSTATE
TESTIS
BLADDER
LEUKEMIA
el%
0
20
60
:
.. . . ..... .
.. .
kl %
`'M ALL STAGES
® LOCALRED
REG{ONAL
100
QDtSTANT
`Adjusted for normal life expectancy. Source: Surveillance and Operations Research Branch,
fhis chart is based on cases diagnosed in 1979-1984. National Cancer Institute.
HOW TO ESTIMATE CANCER STATISTICS LOCALLY
ommunity
Population
Estimated No.
Who Are Alive,
Saved from
Cancer Estimated No.
Cancer Cases
Under
Medical Care
in 1989
Estimated No.
Who Will Die
of Cancer
in 1989
Estimated No.
of
New Cases
in 1989 Estimated No.
Who Will Be
Saved from
Cancer
in 1989 Estimated No.
Who Will
Eventually
Develop
Cancer Estimated No.
Who Will Die
of Cancer if
Present Rates
Continue
1,000 10 5 1 3 1 280 180
2,000 20 11 4 7 3 560 360
3,000 30 16 5 10 4 840 540
4,000 40 21 7 13 5 1,120 720
5,000 50 26 9 16 6 1,400 900
10,000 100 52 18 33 12 2,800 1,800
25,000 250 131 45 79 30 7,000 4,500
50,000 500 262 90 158 59 14,000 9,000
100,000 1,000 525 180 325 122 28,000 18,000
200,000 2,000 1,050 360 650 244. 56,000 36,000
500,000 5,000 2,625 900 1,575 590 140,000 90,000
NOTE: The figures can only be the roughest approximation of actual data for your community and
should be used with caution. It is
suggested that every effort be made to obtain actual data from a Registry source.
15

l. A N l. G K r A L i J A h U
r i l, U K [ J j y b y
CANCER BY AG E AN D RACE*
BLACK AMERICANS
A study of cancer rates over several decades shows
that the cancer incidence rate for blacks is higher than
for whites, and that the death rate is also higher. Over
a 30-year period, black male cancer death rates rose
by 77% compared to a 10% increase in black females.
Incidence rates inn blacks also have increased in both
males and females.
The overall cancer incidence rate for blacks went up
27%, while for whites it increased 12%. Cancer mortality
has increased in. both races, but the rate for blacks is
greater than for whites. The rates were virtually the
same 30 years ago. Since then, cancer death rates in
whites have increased 10%, while black rates have
increased almost 50%.
Cancer sites where blacks had significantly higher
increases in incidence and mortality rates included the
lung, colon-rectum, prostate and esophagus. Esopha-
geal cancer, long considered mainly a disease of males,
remained about the same in whites and rose rapidly
in blacks of both sexes.
The incidence of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix
dropped in both black and white women, although the
incidence in blacks is still double that in whites.
However, the rate for endometrial cancer-or cancer
of the body of the uterus-for white women is almost
double that of black women.
Survival rates for patients diagnosed between 1974
and 1982 were compared for whites and blacks. More
whites than blacks had cancer diagnosed in an early,
localized stage when the chances of cure are best: 39%
for whites versus 33% for blacks.
In a survey done for the ACS by the Gallup Orga-
nization in December 1987, the public's awareness and
use of cancer tests was determined. The survey showed
that 93% of white women knew of the Pap test and
that 88% had had the test at some time, while 92%
of black women knew of it and 79% had had it. For
proctoscopic exams, 60% of the white population were
aware of the procedure and 29% had had it at some
time. For blacks, only 49% were aware of it and 22%
had had it.
THE ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED
A 1986 ACS Special Subcommittee report, "Cancer
in the Economically Disadvantaged" found that cancer
survival, and in some cases incidence, are related to
socioeconomic factors such as the availability of health
services. The report also found that ethnic differences
in cancer are secondary to socioeconomic factors, and
that there are higher rates of cancer mortality for
patients of low socioeconomic status compared to those
in higher brackets. Estimates suggest that at least half
of the differences in survival rates are due to late
diagnosis among economically disadvantaged patients,
pointing up the need for more effective early detection
programs and better access to treatment among this
segment of the American population.
HISPANIC-AMERICANS
A recent ACS-sponsored report described Hispanic
attitudes toward cancer, cancer risk reduction and early
detection. The study, conducted for the Society by the
firm of Clark, Mart;ire and Bartolomeo, Inc., underscored
an urgent need for extensive cancer education and
information programs directed to Hispanic-Americans.
Survey findings shcwed that Hispanic-Americans are
not adequately aware of most of the warning signals
of cancer or of ways to reduce cancer risk, and that
they tend not to seek early detection or treatment. The
study identified the key psychological, cultural and
economic barriers hindering the,fight against cancer
in the Hispanic-American community.
CHILDREN
Incidence: An estimated 6,600 new cases in 1989,
making it rare as a childhood disease. Common sites
include the blood andd bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes,
brain, nervous system, kidneys and soft tissues.
Mortality: An estimated 1,800 deaths in 1989, about
half of them from leukemia. Despite its rarity, cancer
is the chief cause of death by disease in children
between the ages of 3 and 14. Mortality has declined
from 8.3 per 100,000 i~n 1950 to 3.5 in 1986.
Early Detection: Cancers in children often are dif-
ficult to recognize. Parents should see that their
children have regular medical checkups, and be alert
to any unusual symptoms that persist. They include:
unusual mass or swelling; unexplained paleness and
loss of energy; sudden tendency to bruise; persistent,
localized pain or limping; prolonged, unezplained fever
or illness; frequent headaches, often with vomiting;
sudden eye or vision changes; and excessive, rapid
weight loss.
Some of the main childhood cancers are:
Leukemia: See preceding section.
Osteogenic Sarcoma and Ewing's Sarcoma are bone can-
cers. There may be no pain at first, but swelling in
the area of the tumor is often a first sign.
16

C A N C E R F A C T 5 A N D
F 1 G U R E 5 1 9 8 9
CANCER BY AGE AND RACE
Neurobtastoma can appear anywhere but usually in
the abdomen, where a swell.irtg occurs.
Rhabdomiiosarcoma, the most common soft tissue
sarcoma, can occur in the head and neck area, genito-
urinary area, trunk and extremities.
Brain Czncers in early stages may cause headaches,
blurred or double vision, dizziness, difficulty in walking
or handling objects, and nausea.
Lymphomcrs, and Hodgkin's Disease are cancers that
involve the lymph nodes, and also may invade bone
marrow and other organs. They may cause swelling
of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. Other
symptoms nnay include general weakness and possibly
fever.
RetinoblasEoma, or an eye cancer, usually occurs in'
children under the age of four. When detected early,
cure is possible with appropriate treatment.
Wilms' Tumor, a kidney cancer, may be recognized
by a swelling or lump in the abdomen.
Treatment: Childhood cancers can be treated by a
combination of therapies, coordinated by a team of
experts. They include oncologic physicians, pediatric
nurses, social workers, psychologists and others who
assist children and their families.
Survival: Five-year survival rates vary considerably,
depending on the site. Among those for white children:
bone cancer, 48%; neuroblastoma, 56%; brain and cen-
tral nervous system, 56%; Wilms' tumor (kidney), 82%;
and Hodgkin's disease, 91%. (Data for black children
is insufficient.)
'Figures for carcer incidence are from the National Cancer Institute National Surveys, 1947, and the
NCI SEER Program, 1973-1985; those for
cancer mortality are from the National Center for Health Statistics, 1953-55 to 1983-85.
TRENDS IN SURVIVAL BY SITE OF CANCER, BY RACE
Cases Diagnosed in 1960-63, 1970-73, 1974-76, 1977-78, 1979-84
11
_ WHITE BLACK
RELATIVE 5-YEAR SURVIVAL RELATIVE 5-YEAR SURVIVAL
SITE 1960-631 1970-731 1974-762 1977-782 1979-84= 1960-63' 1970-731 1974-76z 1977-782 1979-842
All Sites 39% 43% 50% 50% 50% 27% 31% 38% 38% 37%
Oral Cavity & Pharynx 45 43 54 53 54 - - 35 35 31
Esophagus 4 4 5 6 7 1 4 4 2 5
Stomach 11 13 14 15 16' 8 13 15 16 17
Colon 43 49 50 52 54' 34 37 45 44 49
Rectum 38 45 48 50 52' 27 30 40 40 34
Liver 2 3 4 3 3 - - 1 1 5
Pancreas 1 2 3 2 3 1 2 2 3 5
Larynx 53 62 66 69 66 - - 58 59 55
Lung & Bronchus 8 10 12 13 13' 5 7 11 10 11
Melanoma of Skin 60 68 78 81 80' - - 62## - 61iF
Breast (females) 63 68 74 75 75' 46 51 62 62 62
Cervix Uteri 58 64 69 69 67 47 61 61 63 59
Corpus Uteri 73 81 89 87 83 31 44 61 58 52*
Ovary 32 36 36 37 37' 32 32 41 40 36
Prostate Gland 50 63 67 70 73' 35 55 56 64 60'
Testis 63 72 78 86 91' - - 77ii - 82a
Urinary Bladder 53 61 73 75 77' 24 36 47 53 57'
Kidney & Renal Pelvis 37 46 51 50 51 38 44 49 54 53
Brain & Nervous System 18 20 22 23 23 19 19 27 24 31
Thyroid Gland 83 86 92 92 93 - - 88 92 95
Hodgkin's Disease 40 67 71 73 74' - - 67M 79# 69
Non-Hodgkin's iLymphoma 31 41 47 48 49 - - 47 46 49
Multiple Myeloma 12 19 24 24 24 - - 28 30 29
Leukemia 14 22 34 37 32 - - 30 31 27
Source: Surveillance snd Operations Research Branch, National Cancer Institute.
' Rates are based on IEnd Results Group data from a series of hospital registries and one
population-based registry.
I Rates are from the SEER Program. They are based on data from population-based registries in
Connecticut, New Mexico, Utah, Iowa, Hawaii, Atlanta, Detroit,
Seattle-Puget Souna' and San Francisco-Oakland. Rates are based on follow-up of patients through
1985.
° The difference in rates between 1974-76 and 1979-84 is statistically significant (p <.05). ,
fl The standard error of the survival rate is between 5 and 10 percentage points.
i» The standard error of the survival rate is greater than 10 percentage points.
-Valid survival rate could not be calculated.
17

C A N C E R F A C T S A N D F i G U R E S 1 9 8 9
PREVENTION
PRIMARY PREVENTION REFERS TO STEPS THAT MIGHT BE TAKEN TO AVOID THOSE
FACTORS THAT MIGHT LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANCER.
SMOKING Cigarette smoking is responsible for 85% of lung cancer cases among men and 75% among
women-about 83% overall. Smoking accounts for about 30% of all cancer deaths. Those
who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes a day have lung cancer mortality rates 15 to
25 times greater than nonsmokers.
SUNLIGHT Almost all of the more than 500,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer developed each
year in the U.S. are considered to be sun-related. Recent epidemiological evidence shows
that sun exposure is a major factor in the development of melanoma and that the incidence
increases for those living near the equator. (See Selected Cancer Sites: Skin Cancer)
ALCOHOL Oral cancer and cancers of the larynx, throat, esophagus, and liver occur more frequently
among heavy drinkers of alcohol. (See Selected Cancer Sites: Oral Cancer)
SMOKELESS Increased risk factor for cancers of the mouth, larynx, throat, and esophagus. Highly
habit
TOBACCO forming. (See Selected Cancer Sites: Lung Cancer and Oral Cancer)
ESTROGEN For mature women, certain risks associated with estrogen treatment to control menopausal
symptoms, including an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Use of estrogen by menopausal
women needs careful discussion by the woman and her physician. (See Selected Cancer
Sites: Uterine Cancer)
RADIATION Excessive exposure to radiation can increase cancer risk. Most medical X rays are adjusted
to deliver the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image quality. The ACS believes there
is a potential problem of radon in the home. If levels are found to be too high, remedial
actions should be taken.
OCCUPATIONAI. Exposure to a number of industrial agents (nickel, chromate, asbestos, vinyl chloride,
etc.)
I-iAZARDS increases risk. Risk factor greatly increased when combined with smoking.
NUTRITION Risk for colon, breast and uterine cancers increases for obese people. High-fat diet may
be
a factor in the development of certain cancers such as breast, colon and prostate. High-
fiber foods may help reduce risk of colon cancer, and can be a wholesome substitute for
high-fat diets. Foods rich in vitamins A and C may help lower risk for cancers of larynx,
esophagus, stomach and lung. Eating cruciferous vegetables may help protect against certain
cancers. Salt-cured, smoked and nitrite-cured foods have been linked to esophageal and
stomach cancer. The heavy use of alcohol, especially when accompanied by cigarette smoking
or chewing tobacco, increases risk of cancers of the mouth, larynx, throat, esophagus, and
liver. (See above)
SECONDARY PREVENTION REFERS TO STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO DIAGNOSE A
CANCER OR PRECURSOR AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER IT HAS DEVELOPED.
COLORECTAL The ACS recommends three tests for the early detection of colon and rectum cancer in
people
TESTS without symptoms. The digital rectal examination, performed by a physician during an office
visit, should be performed every year after the age of 40; the stool blood test is recommended
every year after 50; and the proctosigmoidoscopy examination should be carried out every
3 to 5 years after the age of 50 following two annual exams with negative results. (See Selected
Cancer Sites: Colon and Rectum Cancer)
PAP TEST For cervical cancer, women who are or have been sexually active, or have reached age 18
years, should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After a woman has had three
or more consecutive satisfactory normal annual examinations, the Pap test may be performed
less frequently at the discretion of her physician.
BREAST CANCER
DETECTION
The ACS recommends the monthly practice of breast self-examination (BSE) by women 20
years and older as a routine good health habit. Physical examination of the breast should
be done every three years from ages 20-40 and then every year. The ACS recommends a
mammogram every year for asymptomatic women age 50 and over, and a baseline mammo-
gram between ages 35 and 39. Women 40 to 49 should have mammography every 1-2 years,
depending on physical and mammographic findings.
28

C A N C E R F A C T S A N D F I G U R E S 1 9 8 9
PREVENTION
CANCER-RELATED CHECKUP GUIDELINES
Guidelines for the early detection of cancer in people
without symptoms are recommended by the American
Cancer So- iety as follows:
A cancer-related checkup:
every 3 years for those 20-40 years of age.
every year for those 40 and over.
The Society advises that you talk with your doctor.
Ask how rhe guidelines apply to you. The checkup
should always include health counseling (such as tips
on quitting smoking) and examinations for cancer of
the thyroid., testes, prostate, mouth, ovaries, skin and
lymph nodes.
In particular.
Ages 20-40-For breast cancer, an examination by
a physician every three years, a self-exam every month,
and one baseline breast X ray between the ages of 35
and 39. For i:ervical cancer, women who are or have
been sexually active, or have reached age 18, should
have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After
a woman has had three or more consecutive satisfactory
normal annual examinations, the Pap test may be per-
formed less frequently at the discretion of her physician.
Ages 40 and over-For breast cancer, a professional
exam every year, a self-exam every month and a breast
X ray every 1-2 years for those 40-49; every year for
those 50 and over. For cervical cancer, women who
are or have been sexually active, or have reached age
18 years, should have an annual Pap test and pelvic
examination. After a women has had three or more
consecutive satisfactory normal annual examinations,
the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the
discretion of her physician. For women at risk, an
endometrial tissue sample at menopause should be
taken. For colon and rectum cancer, a digital rectal exam
every year after 40, and a stool blood test every year
after 50 as well as a procto exam every 3-5 years after
two initial negative tests one year apart.
Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers
and may need tests more frequently. (See pp. 9-14 for
high risk factors.)
COLORECTAL CANCER: EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY
When cancer of the colon and rectum is found and
treated in an early, localized stage, the 5-year survival
rate is 90% for colon cancer and 80% for rectal cancer.
However, survival figures drop to 40% and 31%, re-
spectively, after the cancer has started to spread to other
parts of the body.
Because colorectal cancer develops over a period of
time, detection of the disease is possible long before
symptoms appear. Early detection of small cancers and
polyps reduces the likelihood of major surgery and the
need for a coi~.ostomy-an abdominal opening created
for the elimination of wastes. In fact, permanent colos-
tomies are rare in cases of colon cancer, and are neces-
sary in only l:i% of rectal cancer cases.
Colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in
terms of incidence. Currently, about 151,000 new cases
develop each year; about 61,000 people die from the
disease annually. The incidence of colorectal cancer
tends to increase with age, starting at 40 years. More
than 94% of all cases occur after the age of 50. Colorectal
cancer occurs about equally in both sexes. Anyone with
a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps
in the colon. or inflammatory bowel disease, is at
particularly high risk for the disease and should be
examined care ~ully.
Evidence suggests that bowel cancer may be linked
to a diet high in fat and/or low in fiber content.
Projected `.i-year survival rates for colorectal cancer
show that earl'.y detection saves lives. Currently, the
5-year survival'. rate is estimated at 55%. With the use
of early detection techniques, such as the digital rectal
exam, the stool blood test and sigmoidoscopy, and with
appropriate ma.nagement, the survival rate for patients
with colorectal cancer could be increased from 55% to
85%. This means that, over a period of time, 125,000
lives, versus the current 80,000, could be saved each
year.
It is recommended that the following procedures, all
part of a cancer-related checkup, be performed at
designated intervals:
A digital rectal examination every year after age 40.
A stool blood test every year after age 50.
A procto every three to five years after the age of
50, following two annual negative examinations.
These guidelines apply only to people without symp-
toms. Persons with rectal bleeding, cramping abdom-
inal pain, or a change in bowel habits should see their
physicians immediately.
A 1987 study of men and women age 40 and over,
conducted for the Society by the Gallup Organization,
revealed a number of important findings concerning
Americans' attitudes toward detection measures for
colorectal cancer. There has been some increase in
public awareness of the 3 tests recommended to detect
the disease, but there is much room for improvement.
The study found, for instance, that the percentage of
Americans who ever had a digital rectal examination
increased slightly since 1983, from 51% to 56%. Likewise,
the percentage of Americans who ever had a stool blood
test rose, from 28% in 1983 to 40% in 1987. And while
the percentage of men and. women 50 and over .who
ever had a proctoscopic examination rose from 31%
in 1983 to 42% in 1987, 60% of Americans who should
have the examination (according to the ACS guidelines)
have not had it.
The survey also showed that 24% of those individuals
in the 40-plus age group have ever asked their doctor
to examine their colon or rectum. And of this group,
more than half did so only because something was
bothering them.
On the promising side, the survey showed that almost
50% of all Americans would be interested in learning
more about this form of cancer.
19

C A N C E R F A C T S A N D F I G U R E S 1 9 8 9
PREVENTION
BREAST CANCER: A PROGRAM OF ACTION
About one cut of every 10 women in the United States
will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. And until
the disease ca)1 be prevented, the best way women can
protect themselves is through early detection and
prompt treatment. Today, with modern technologies,
breast cancer can be detected at very early stages of
development, when the chance of cure is highest.
The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows
older, and genetic and lifestyle variances-a history of
breast cancer ir1 a close family relative, giving first birth
after age 30, never giving birth, and obesity (body
weight 40% above normal)-may increase risk further.
The American Cancer Society recommends that
women develop a three-part, personal plan of action,
in cooperation with their doctors for early detection
of breast cancer. (See page 19 for Checkup Guidelines.)
A clinical breast exam should be performed by a
doctor as part of a regular health checkup. This includes
a visual inspection of the breasts, looking for changes
in shape or size or skin dimpling, followed by a thor-
ough inspection of the breast, chest and armpits.
Women should ask their doctors how often they should
have a clinical breast exam.
A mammogram is a low-dose breast X ray that can
identify cancers too small to be felt. Follow the ACS
guidelines for recommended frequency, depending on
age and health history. Recent improvements have
reduced the amount of radiation necessary for high-
quality mammograms.
The Society recommends that all women over the
age of 20 perform breast self-examination once a month.
BSE is important because breast cancer symptoms may
develop and be found between clinical breast exams
or mammography. Through regular self-examination
women become familiar with their breasts, making any
changes more likely to be noticed.
TOBACCO USE
The American. Cancer Society estimates that cigarette
smoking is respcnsible for 85% of lung cancer cases
among men and 75% among women-about 83%
overall.
The cancer death rate for male cigarette smokers is
more than double that of nonsmokers, and the rate for
female smokers is 67% higher than for nonsmokers.
The American Car cer Society estimates that 40% of male
smokers and 28% of female smokers die prematurely,
or about 35% overall.
The higher ca nc:er rates for men reflect the fact that
in the past, more men than women smoked, and
smoked more heavily. In recent years, however, the
gap between male and female smoking has been
narrowing.
Smoking also has been implicated in cancers of the
mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, cervix
uteri and bladder. Smoking accounts for about 30% of
all cancer deaths, is a major cause of heart disease, and
is linked to conditions ranging from colds and gastric
ui<cers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Smoking is relai:ed to 390,000 deaths each year. A
September 1985 study by the U.S. Congress Office of
Technology Assessment estimates the cost of smoking
to the economy from $38 billion to $95 billion, with
a middle estimate of $65 billion. This amounts to $2.17
in lost productivity and the treatment of smoking-
related diseases for each pack of cigarettes sold.
A Decline in Smoking
A September 198;' tobacco report of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture estimates cigarette output in 1987
at 654 billion, down 1.0% from 1986, about the same
decrease as the previous year.
From 1976 to 198' 7, adult male smokers (20 years and
older) dropped from 42% of the population to 33%, while
women smokers decreased from 32% to 28%, according
to the National Center for Health Statistics. Overall,
the percentage of adult smokers in the population had
dropped to 30%. A 1987 report from the Office of
Smoking and Health says that 26.5% of Americans now
smoke.
Per capita cigarette consumption among adults has
fallen-from 4,141 in 1974 to 3,121 in 1988-reflecting
a growing number of ex-smokers. This is the lowest
per capita consumption since 1944. From 1965 to 1987,
the proportion of adult male ex-smokers (20 years
and older) in the total U.S. population increased from
20% to 31%, while female ex-smokers rose from 8%
to 19%.
A survey supported by the National Institute on Drug
Abuse indicated that the percentage of high school
seniors (aged 17 and 18) who smoked cigarettes daily
decreased from 29% in 1976 to 19% in 1987.
It is now estimated-from past national surveys and
data from the Cancer Prevention Study 11-that there
are about 40 million ex-cigarette smokers in the U.S.
today and about 50 million smokers.
At the same time, however, the average smoker
appears to be smoking more heavily. The U.S. Office
on Smoking and Health reports that the proportion
of adult male smokers (20 years and older) consuming
25 or more cigarettes per day increased from 30.7%
to 32% between 1976 and 1985, and female smokers
from 19.0% to 21%.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
show that a total of 567 billion cigarettes were 'con-
sumed in 1988, down from 575 billion in 1987.
Nicotine Addiction
The Surgeon General released a report on nicotine
addiction in May 1988. The report points out that all
tobacco products contain substantial amounts of
nicotine. Nicotine is absorbed readily from tobacco
smoke in the lungs and from smokeless tobacco in the
mouth or nose, and is rapidly distributed throughout
20
