Acute Care, Healthcare Design, Oncology

Cancer Stats and Facts That Could Save Your Life

Since its inception in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, April has been named Cancer Control Month. In the 1940’s, cancer was claiming the lives of nearly 150,000 Americans each year, even though many of the deaths could have been prevented with regular medical examinations.

Last year, approximately two million people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone. This ever-growing number has continued to shape the way in which Cancer Control Month is observed.

The purpose of Cancer Control Month is to raise awareness and serve as a platform to educate the public about the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles, getting regular screenings, and understanding the signs and symptoms of cancer.

What Is the Purpose of Cancer Control Month?

Most recently, the goals and programs have shifted into five distinct categories:

Cancer Prevention: Prevention is listed first because, even now, between 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention is the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer. Educating the public about prevention means providing information on various types of cancer, their risk factors, and preventive measures. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Early Detection of Cancer: Encouraging people to undergo regular cancer screenings increases the chances of detecting cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.
Improving Cancer Treatments: Cancer Control Month provides an opportunity for advocacy efforts aimed at increasing funding for cancer research, improving access to healthcare services, and supporting policies that promote cancer prevention and treatment.
Increasing the Survival Rate of Cancer: Better treatment options will lead to increased survival rates. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, advocacy organizations, government agencies, and community groups also helps reduce the burden of cancer on individuals and society as a whole.
Improving the Quality of Life for People Who Have Cancer: Recognizing the challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors, Cancer Control Month highlights the importance of support services, survivorship care plans, and initiatives to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

Because of Champion’s involvement in the oncology sector of medical treatment, we want to show our support for Cancer Control Month by raising awareness and providing insights into particular cancers that are also spotlighted during the month of April.

Understanding Oral, Head, and Testicular Cancers: Awareness, Symptoms, and Treatment

April also marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, drawing attention to the prevalence, symptoms, and preventive measures against oral cancer. Furthermore, April 16–22, 2024, is designated as Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. Finally, April is also recognized as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

This blog aims to shed light on oral, head, and testicular cancers, including their types, causes, symptoms, statistics, available treatments, recommended screenings, and prevention tips. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Understanding Oral Cancer: Oral cancer refers to malignancies that develop in the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, and throat.
Types of Oral Cancer: The main types include squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and salivary gland cancer.
Causes of Oral Cancer: The primary causes include tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure, poor diet, poor oral hygiene, and genetics.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer: Common symptoms include persistent mouth sores, swelling or lumps in the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing, chronic sore throat, numbness in the mouth or tongue, and changes in voice.
Statistics for Oral Cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 58,450 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers will be diagnosed in 2024, with approximately 12,230 deaths. The incidence of oral cancer increases with age, and men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women.
Treatments for Oral Cancer: Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

What Is Head or Neck Cancer?

Understanding Head and Neck Cancers: Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4 percent of all cancers in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. They encompass a broad range of malignancies that occur in the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and salivary glands.
Types of Head and Neck Cancers: The main types include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma.
Causes of Head and Neck Cancers: Similar to oral cancer, risk factors for head and neck cancers include tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection, sun exposure, occupational exposure to certain chemicals, and poor diet.
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers: Symptoms may include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or voice changes, lump or swelling in the neck, persistent ear pain, and nasal congestion or chronic sinus infections.
Statistics for Head and Neck Cancers: According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 66,020 new cases of head and neck cancers will be diagnosed in 2024, with around 14,850 deaths. Men are more likely to develop head and neck cancers than women, and the risk increases with age.
Treatments for Head and Neck Cancers: Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, often in combination depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

Understanding Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles, the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. If caught early enough and properly treated, this diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence, and patients can resume a normal life. For famous examples, Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton and Lance Armstrong of Tour de France fame, both returned to successful careers after treatment.
Causes of Testicular Cancer: The exact causes are not fully understood, but risk factors may include undescended testicle (cryptorchidism), family history of testicular cancer, congenital abnormalities, and certain genetic conditions. Medical studies show that those who use marijuana for longer than 10 years are 50% more likely to develop
testicular cancer than those who never used cannabis.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer: Common symptoms include pain or discomfort, swelling or enlargement, or a lump or mass in the testicle. Other symptoms can include an unusual feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a dull ache or sense of pressure in the lower abdomen, back, or groin.
Statistics for Testicular Cancer: Although relatively rare, this is the leading cancer in men ages 15–44 with around 9,610 new cases expected in 2024 in the United States, and approximately 440 deaths. While it most commonly affects young men between the ages of 15 and 44, this type of cancer can strike at any age.
Treatments for Testicular Cancer: Treatment options may include surgery (orchiectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

Why Cancer Screenings and Prevention Are So Important

Regular screenings for oral, head/neck, and testicular cancers are essential for early detection and treatment. Dental check-ups should include oral cancer screenings, while self-examinations are recommended for testicular cancer.

Prevention tips include avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, practicing safe sun exposure, maintaining a healthy diet, getting vaccinated against HPV, and conducting regular self-examinations.

As April brings attention to oral cancer awareness, the broader spectrum of head and neck cancers, and testicular cancer, understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial. By raising awareness, promoting early detection, and encouraging preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the burden of these cancers and improving
outcomes for patients.

How Champion Helps Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Champion cares about cancer patients, and this compassion is engineered into every product we manufacture.

Champion provides the very best in medical seating for patients who are undergoing oncology treatments, which can be long and discomforting.

Learn more about our premium Alō Collection, and click here to request a free demo or quote.