Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 8 million Americans alive today have a history of cancer. About 1.2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 1999. This year about 564,800 Americans are expected to die of cancer—more than 1,500 people a day. One of every four deaths in the US is from cancer. However, between 1991 and 1995, the national cancer death rate fell 2.6%. The good news is that early detection and diagnosis of cancer can lead to a greater likelihood of cure.
Medical imaging has become vital in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer, and can allow treatment of cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body. In many cases, if cancer is detected soon enough, early treatment can lead to complete cure. Early detection of cancer helps to minimize the need for massive therapeutic treatment and can create substantial savings for the patient and healthcare system. More importantly, early detection and treatment of cancer minimizes pain and suffering and allows people to continue leading happy, productive lives.
Cancer Therapy options continue to grow and become more effective at eliminating cancer once discovered. Radiotherapy is a mainstay treatment of many cancers. Click on a topic below to begin your session on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment:
Updated: February 7, 2000
