Highlights on Cancer
Cancer is a general term used to describe a group of over one hundred related diseases that are characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The abnormal growth leads to the development of a mass of cells commonly known as a tumor, followed by invasion of the surrounding tissues and subsequent spread (metastasis) to other parts of the body.
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality after heart disease in North America, accounting for one out of every four deaths. For 2008, it is estimated that approximately 1.6 million Americans and Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 638,000 will die from it, i.e. more than 1,500 people a day. Actually, it is estimated that approximately 11.6 million people in the United States and Canada live with a cancer history. Cancer continues to be a heavy financial burden on society. One out of two men and one out of three women will develop cancer in their lifetime. Nearly 80% of all cancer diagnoses are made in people aged 55 and older.
According to the United States National Institute of Health (NIH), the costs related to cancer in the United States in 2007 totaled US$219.2 billion, the highest of any disease. Of this amount, US$89.0 billion was attributed to direct medical costs; US$18.2 billion to indirect morbidity costs (costs of lost productivity due to illness); and US$112.0 billion to indirect mortality costs (cost of lost productivity due to premature death).
There is a growing focus on cancer diagnosis by healthcare providers and payers, because accurate detection of disease means a better chance for patient survival and lower treatment costs. Diagnostic tests that are able to detect cancer more accurately should result in a decrease in the number of cancer deaths and improve treatment of the disease. In addition, given the increasing costs associated with treating the disease as it progresses, accurate diagnostic tools for disease prognosis and monitoring are essential for cost-effective disease management.
Source: American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society
Useful links*
- American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
- U.S. National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov)
- Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca)
- MyLifeLine (www.mylifeline.org)
- Patient Resource (www.patientresource.net)