According to the most recent statistical data from a National Cancer Institute study, the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 66 years. This means that half of cancer cases occur in people below this age and half in people above this age. One-quarter of new cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 65 to 74. So, while cancer can occur at any age, the risk of certain cancers increases with age. Here are just some specifics:
- 61 is the median age to be diagnosed with breast cancer
- 66 is the median age to be diagnosed with prostate cancer
- 68 is the median age to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer
- 70 is the median age to be diagnosed with lung cancer
If you are a man who drinks more than two drinks a day or a woman who has more than one drink a day, you are elevating your risk of cancer.
Some chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease can increase your chances of cancer.
What you eat can play a big role in lowering your chances of cancer. Consult with your physician on ways you can modify your diet to actually help reduce your risk of cancer.
People who are obese may have an increased risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, uterus, esophagus, kidney, pancreas and gallbladder.
Even though skin cancer is more common among people with a light skin tone, people of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, including those with dark skin.
Tobacco is a leading cause of cancer and of death from cancer. People who use tobacco products or who are regularly around second hand tobacco smoke have an increased risk of cancer.
