Other cancers
Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread through the blood and lymph systems. There are more than 100 types of cancer.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Utah and the U.S. There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and melanoma.
Utah has the highest incidence of melanoma in the nation and continues to rise. The mortality rate (death from) of melanoma is also much higher than the national rate.
Bladder cancer
Cancers are named for where they start in the body. Bladder cancer is cancer that starts in the bladder.
To lower your risk of bladder cancer, don’t smoke and be careful around certain kinds of chemicals.
Cancer of the brain and nervous system
Brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common cancers in children (after leukemia). They account for about 16% of childhood cancers.
Colorectal (colon) cancer
Colorectal (Colon) cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also find cancer early, when treatment works best.
Leukemias
Leukemia is cancer of the blood forming cells. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and then spreads to the blood.
Leukemias are divided into 4 main types (acute, chronic, lymphocytic, myeloid).
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in Utah and in the U.S. Cigarette smoking is the single most important risk for lung cancer.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphoid tissue. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age. There are many types of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which can be divided into two types, aggressive (fast growing) and indolent (slow growing).
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly occurring form of cancer (excluding skin cancer) among men and is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in Utah and the U.S.
Prostate cancers usually grow slowly. Most men who get prostate cancer are 65 years or older and do not die from the disease. Finding or treating prostate cancer before you have symptoms may not improve your health or help you live longer.
All men over 40 should visit their doctor for a routine health visit which may include a discussion on prostate health.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer forms in the base of the throat, in the thyroid gland. Scientists are not exactly sure what causes thyroid cancer, but there are some things that increase your risk, such as getting too much radiation around your neck as a child, or certain inherited genetic conditions.