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(Medical-NewsWire.com, September 19, 2013 ) Dothan, AL – September has been nominated as an awareness month for several cancers including childhood, ovarian and other gynecological cancers, prostate, thyroid, leukemia and lymphoma. Each of these cancers can have a devastating impact on the patient as well as their families.
According to the National Cancer Institute over 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and 63% of these women will die from the disease. One of the reasons for the high mortality rate is that in many cases the cancer goes undetected until it has already spread into the pelvic area and has become difficult to treat. If the disease is detected when it is only affecting an ovary the survival rate increases dramatically to 92%. Therefore, early detection is extremely important. However, current common tests are not accurate until the cancer has progressed to more advanced stages. Women should visit their gynecologist on a regular basis for the best opportunity of catching ovarian cancer at early stages.
Prostate cancer is diagnosed in almost 240,000 men each year, but most (about 88%) will survive. Some cancers are very aggressive and spread quickly while others remain confined to the prostate and do little damage. Some doctors are thinking that a “wait and see” attitude be adopted when prostate cancer is diagnosed so that only cancers at risk of spreading are aggressively treated, but more studies are being conducted to confirm this hypothesis. Currently, men over the age of 50 are encouraged to be tested for this disease.
Thyroid cancers are usually diagnosed early and have a low mortality rate. Since the thyroid glands are located in the neck, most people notice swelling and soreness associated with the cancer and seek treatment before the disease progresses to advanced stages. If cancer is detected, all or some of the gland is usually removed and the person may also undergo radioactive iodine treatment. If swelling or a lump is noticed on the sides or front of the neck it may be a good idea to see a doctor.
Leukemia can strike at any age. With a mortality rate hovering close to 50%, this is not a disease to play with. Leukemia results in large numbers of irregular blood cells being produced by bone marrow and then entering the blood stream. Many people undergo bone marrow transplants as part of their treatment regimen which may also include drugs, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery. Joining the Be the Match Bone Marrow Registry (http://bethematch.org) is a way many people can help those who become ill with leukemia.
About 5% of people diagnosed with cancer each year have lymphoma or its variations. Exposure to illnesses or chemicals that affect the immune system seem to increase the risk of contracting lymphoma. Treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, drugs and, for some patients, stem cell transplants have decreased mortality rates in recent years, but a complicating factor is that a majority of patients are in their 60’s and 70’s when they are diagnosed.
National awareness declarations are made to help increase knowledge about diseases. As September progresses, each person should take the time to look into their risk factors for each of these common cancers and, if need be, schedule a screening appointment with their doctor. Ignoring signs and symptoms will not make the disease go away.
About the Cochran Firm
Recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, The Cochran Firm handles cases on behalf of clients seeking a Personal Injury Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Medical Malpractice, Bankruptcy Attorney in Atlanta or Social Security Disability Lawyer. The Firm can be reached at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476) or visit their website at http://www.cochrannation.com. “Working for You.” Article by Benjamin A. Irwin, Esq.###
Cochran Firm
163 West Main Street
Dothan, Alabama 36301
1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476)
www.cochrannation.com
Cochran Firm
Benjamin A. Irwin, Esq.
800-843-3476
contact@cochrannation.com
Source: EmailWire.Com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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