Cancer. If there is a single word in the English language that may induce feelings of fear, helplessness, dread, and for some, even terror, it is cancer. What is cancer? This is a blanket term for a process that may occur in virtually any organ or tissue of the body. Cancer occurs when some of the body's cells begin to grow and spread abnormally. If the spread goes unchecked, these renegade cells can invade and impair normal tissues and organ function and ultimately they can cause death. The diagnosis of cancer does not necessarily mean a death sentence thanks to generations of medical research, and increased public awareness of healthy lifestyles and earlier detection. Currently, there are more than 8 million Americans living who have a history of some form of cancer and in about 5 million of those people the cancer was diagnosed more than five years ago. A cancer patient is said to be "cured" if there has been no recurrence of the disease at least five years after treatment.

The American Cancer Society estimates that one in three Americans will have some form of the disease at some point in their life. Cancer ranks second as cause of death for adult men and women in the United States (right behind cardiovascular disease) and lung cancer is the leading killer among malignant diseases, according to the American Cancer Society. Cigarette smoking is estimated by the American Cancer Society to be responsible for the overwhelming majority of lung cancer and it significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease -- the No. 1 killer of adults in the United States.

In 1984 the National Cancer Institute announced the national goal of reducing cancer mortality by one-half by the end of this century. The national goal for cancer control is based on the understanding that cancers can be prevented in survival among cancer patients improved through individual and institutional change.

Certain segments of the population have demonstrated disproportionately severe cancer rates compared to the general population. National Minority Cancer Awareness Week this week is an effort to raise awareness of the increased risk of cancer among particular racial and ethnic groups. Although regardless of your ethnic or racial background, your risk for cancer can be reduced. Researchers have identified several risk factors for cancer, and cancer screening helps for your doctor to detect health problems early when treatment is potentially most effective.

Your likelihood of developing cancer increases as you age, and some types of cancer are strongly linked to family history. Know your family history and report it to your doctor. Also, if you had cancer in the past you may be at a greater risk for a recurrence. Smoking has clearly been linked with several types of cancer. Obesity increases your risk for cancer of the colon, breast, prostate, gallbladder, ovary and uterus. Heavy alcohol consumption combined with cigarette smoking or chewing tobacco increases your risk for developing cancer of the mouth, larynx, throat, esophagus and liver. Foods high in fat or nitrates and low in fiber increase your risk. Sun exposure, especially blistering sunburns, significantly increases your risk for skin cancer. You do have control over many of these risks factors and by taking measures to reduce your risk as well as measures for early detection, you may effectively reduce your risk of death from cancer.

Routine physical examinations are an important way to prevent illness and maintain good health. Talk with your doctor about your particular needs for regular screening examinations. Your physician will consider your age, health history and identifiable risk factors to establish an appropriate examination schedule for you.

World Wide Web Resources

Intercultural Cancer Council

URL: http://icc.bcm.tmc.edu/guide/

This web site is a resource guide for minorities and lists organizations and resources supplying information on cancer issues, general health and advocacy. Add your name to their mailing list to receive the ICC Bulletin, a quarterly newsletter.

Native American Cancer Research

http://www.aclin.org/other/society_culture/native_american/nac/chap03.htm

This site interprets statistical data on cancer incidence, mortality and survival rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The Cancer Information Service (CIS)

http://www.nci.nih.gov/info/what.htm

The CIS is a nationwide network supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), providing accurate, up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health professionals and the general public through their toll-free number 1-800-4-CANCER. The CIS serves as a resource for state and regional organizations and provides written material and technical assistance to cancer education, media campaigns and community programs.

Dr. Scott Gibbs is a neurosurgeon and editor-in-chief of Mosby's Medical Surfari. You may e-mail questions to him at drgibbs@semissourian.com or write in care of the Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.