Colorectal cancer:
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is found in the colon and the rectum and has become one of the most common forms of malignant cancer (Cross & Underwood, 2013). Approximately 50% of cancers have been located in the rectum, and 30% have been in the sigmoid colon (Cross & Underwood, 2013). Cancers found in the rectum are usually ulcer type tumours which are easily detected by rectal bleeding (Cross & Underwood, 2013). Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in males and females (AIHW, 2012a). Over the last 30 years, incidence of colorectal cancer has increased (AIHW, 2012a). In 2007, colorectal cancer was accounted for 10% of deaths from cancer (AIHW, 2012a). This type of cancer has been taken very seriously and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) have been working to reduce the incidence and mortality caused by colorectal cancer (AIHW, 2012a).
Female Breast cancer:
Breast cancer occurs when there are abnormal cells in the breast tissue which multiply and together form a tumour in the breast (Craft, Gordon & Tiziani, 2011). These tumours that develop can multiply and affect tissue surrounding it as well as spread throughout the body, affecting other organs and tissues (Craft, Gordon & Tiziani, 2011). Breast cancer is common in females between the ages of 35 and 55 (Cross and Underwood, 2013). In 2007, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females (AIHW, 2012a). Between the years 1995 and 2002, the age-standardised incidence rates increased to ‘0.6 cases per 1000,000 women per year’ (AIHW, 2012a). Although, the most recent studies show that there has been an decrease in rates of about 1.3 cases per 100,00 women between the years 2002 and 2007 (A...
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Cancer is one of the 9 National Health Priority Areas (NHPA), areas which account for a significant portion of the burden of disease, but have sizeable potential for improvement. In Australia, CRC is the second most common cancer, after prostate (in men) and breast cancer (in women) (AIHW, Cancer incidence projections). The incidence has gradually increased (by 13% in males from 1982-2007) (AIHW, Cancer in Australia an overview). This is compounded by the ageing population and population growth, with 14,860 new cases in 2010 (http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer). This graph demonstrates this upward trend ((AIHW, Cancer incidence projections):
Marks, R. 1990. Skin cancer control in the 1990’s, from Slip! Slop! Slap! to Sun Smart. Australasian Journal of Dermatology 31: 1-4.
Colorectal cancer, or CRC, affects African American men and women more than Caucasians, at a rate 20% higher. This is concerning when faced with the mortality rates among African Americans, 28% higher for women and 14% higher for men than for Whites. African Americans are also more likely to be in later stages of the disease when diagnosed. There is a need to study and evaluate why these factors exist, as proper screening and early diagnosis can severely impact survival rates for CRC. One study attempts to find the solution through testing, however, this study slightly discredits itself along the way.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women, responsible for more than 57,000 deaths in 2001 alone. Colon polyps, which can lead to colon cancer, are found in about 30-40% of people aged 60 or older- and the risks of polyps increase with age” (Lerche Davis, 2003). Most cases of colon cancer start as small adenomatous polyps. Many people experience no signs or symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer. Some signs and symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, or any change in consistency of your stool that continues for longer than a month. Any bleeding from the rectum or blood found in the stool can also be a sign of colon cancer. Continuing abdominal pain, cramps, gas, weakness, fatigue and unexplained weight loss could all be signs of rectal cancer in the patient (Staff,
Polsky, David, MD, and Steven Q. Wang, MD. "Skin Cancer Facts." Skincancer.org. Skin Cancer Foundation, 9 Oct. 2013. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.
Over the past decade breast cancer has become one of the most predominant diseases in the United States. Breast cancer starts out as a malignant tumor in the tissues of the breast which is formed from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men. (Stephan, 2010)
As a cancer clinic volunteer, the daughter of an oncologist, the friend of a breast cancer survivor, and a biological enthusiast, I find the medical field of cancer and its impacts on health fascinating. The human body is so complex, yet, so fragile at the same time and I hope that through this exploration, I will witness how mathematics plays a role in science and more specifically physiology.
Colon cancer develops in the part of the gastrointestinal tract that absorbs water and minerals before waste products are disposed via the rectum. In women endometrial cancer is related to colon cancer. This type of cancer is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States. Over one-hundred fifty thousand individuals will be diagnosed this year and this cancer will probably be responsible for about 47,900 deaths in 1999 (http://www.cancer.org). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas that develop from the glandular cells. Ninety percent of all colon cancer cases will develop in individuals after 50 years of age. Ninety percent of all tumors arise from polyps that are commonly found in people older than 50. Prevention includes regular exercise and a diet high in fiber. The most important risk factor is age. Medical screening includes a yearly blood occult test after age 50 and a colonoscopy every 3 years after age 50. Regular screening detects polyps that have become precancerous. If regular screening is not done, the cancer is not detected until blood is found in the...
Colon Cancer is cancer of the colon, or large intestine. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last few inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, harmless clumps of cells called polyps. Over time some of these abnormal growths may become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, signs of sickness. Because of this, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer.
Skin cancer is a disease where cancer (malignant) cells are found on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The three types of cells found in the epidermis are squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. These cells in time grow to be cancerous. Thus, the three types of skin cancers are squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadliest and destructive type of cancer. (“Skin Cancer” infotrac.com) The number of people with melanoma has risen in Scotland from 3.5 in 1979 to 10.6 per 100,000 in 1998 for men and 7.0 to 13.1 for women. (Miller 945) Squamous cell and Basal cell skin cancer can kill up to 2,200 people a year in the United States. (Sommerfield SIRS.com) Basal cell, being the most common type of skin cancer, is the cancer that about 75 percent of the people have. (“Skin Cancer “ infotrac.com) Melanoma is mostly seen in older men but ever since tanning came in during the 1970’s, it has increased in women 60 percent around the ages 15-29 over the past three decades.(Sommerfield SIRS.com) “And basal cell and squamous cell cancers are increasing at a rate of about 5 percent per year”(Sommerfield SIRS.com).
Colon and rectal cancer develop in the digestive tract, which is also called the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract. The digestive system processes food for energy and rids the body of solid waste matter (fecal matter or stool). Colon cancer and rectal cancer have many features in common. Sometimes they are referred to together as colorectal cancer.
The high incidence of skin cancer in Australia is the reason for our choice of