The Aging Populations Worldwide is leading to an Unprecedented Increase in Cancer Cases and Fatalities
Carolyn Peyton
Professor Toye
Sociology 100
9/11/14

The aging populations worldwide are leading to an unprecedented increase in cancer cases and fatalities. Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph system. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancer is named for the organ or type of cell in which they start – for example, Cancer that begins in the colon is called Colon Cancer: cancers that begin in melanocytes of the skin are called melanoma.
Categories of cancer are: * Carcinoma – cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. There are a number of subtypes of Carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma. * Sarcoma – cancer that begins in bones, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissues * Leukemia – cancer that starts in blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. * Lymphoma and Myeloma – cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. * Central Nervous System Cancers – are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain; and spinal cord.
The origin of all cancers in cells is the body’s basic unit life. To understand cancer it’s helpful to know what happens when normal cells become cancer cells. The body is made up of many types of cells. These cells grow and divide in a controlled way to produce more cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy. When cells become old or damaged, they die and are replaced with new cells. However, sometimes this orderly process goes wrong. The genetic material (DNA) of a cell can become damaged or changed, producing mutations that affect cell growth and division. When this happens, cells do not die when they should and new cells form when the body does not need them. The extra cells may form a mass of tissue called tumor.
Numbers in cancer cases according to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were 12.7 million new cancer cases in 2008 worldwide of which 5.6 million occurred in economically developed countries and 7.1 million in economically developing countries. The corresponding estimates for total cancer deaths in 2008 where 7.6 million (about 21,000 cancer deaths a day), 2.8 million in economically developed countries and 4.8 million in economically developing countries. The estimated future burden could be much higher than given above due to the adoption of Western lifestyle, such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and reproductive factors, in economically developing countries .
By 2030, the global burden is expected to grow to 21.4 million new cases and 13.2 million cancer deaths simply due to the growth and aging of the population, as well as reductions in childhood mortality and deaths from infectious diseases in developing countries. Cancers related to these factors, such as lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, are increasing in economically transitioning countries. Rates of cancers common in Western countries will continue to rise in developing countries if preventative measures are not widely applied. Still more than half of all cancer cases and deaths worldwide are potentially preventable. Tobacco use, heavy use of alcohol, and obesity can be most effectively prevented through a combination of education and social policies that encourage healthy behaviors and discourage unhealthy practices.
Family life and Cancer has the greatest effect on marriages and other long-term partnerships. After a diagnosis of cancer, both individuals may experience sadness, anxiety, anger, or even hopelessness. For some couples, facing the challenges of cancer together strengthens their relationship and commitment. For others, especially those who struggled in their relationship before the diagnosis, the stress of cancer may create new problems and worsen existing problems.
The effects of cancer on your relationships with friends and family members vary widely, largely dependent on the closeness of each relationship. We all know that different families have different communication and coping styles. Consider how your family reacts in a crisis and how family members have dealt with other difficult situations. This will help you plan your strategy for communicating news and asking for support. Here are some

Reference: www.cancer.net,Editorial Board; American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO); American Cancer Society