Cancer Expected to Take Top Spot in 2010

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that by next year, cancer will replace heart disease as the leading cause of death in the world. However, the United States has seen a steady decline in cancer deaths in both men and women since the early 1990s as a result of improved medical treatment, faster diagnosis and decreased tobacco use. Still, in other places around the world, smoking and alcohol consumption has increased, causing more and more cases of cancer. In fact, it is estimated that 40 percent of the smokers in the world live in China and India, most likely due to their enormous populations. The number of cancer deaths for 2008 was projected to hit 7 million worldwide.

The World Health Organization report also stated that from 1970 to 2000, cancer rates doubled, which experts believe will happen again by the year 2020. However, if other countries can begin to provide screening to catch an treat cancer at an earlier stage to increase the rate of survival, it may be possible to prevent this number from rising. Unfortunately, many places have limited resources for medical care, especially cancer treatment, which can be extremely expensive. This lack of funds and the fact that treatment is unavailable in these areas has allowed the number of cancer deaths to skyrocket in less fortunate places, making it unlikely that the cancer death rate will fall in the near future. However, though quality medical care is unavailable in many places, there are ways for a person to lower their risk of developing cancer, such as avoiding tobacco products and secondhand smoke, limiting consumption of alcohol, preventing Hepatitis B and HPV through vaccination, regular screening and increasing physical activity. The earlier the treatment, the better the prognosis for cancer patients, so it is important to act at the first signs of cancer and receive routine check-ups by your physician. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosing or treating cancer, our cancer malpractice attorneys can help. Contact Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients with cancer malpractice cases in Nassau and Suffolk, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. We also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Call us toll-free 1-877-ASK4SAM and visit www.ask4sam.net