CANCER

Facts, Figures, and Resources
 

In recognition of World Cancer Day on February 4th, our February 2nd edition of the Community Review focused on cancer in our community, and research developments in Hershey Med and in Israel.  

To better inform our community, we've compiled some facts, figures, and resources about cancer – it’s dangers, impact, and research.  The more educated we are about this disease, the more we can support families, and friends battling this disease.  

Cancer Facts

Obesity, poor nutrition, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are all leading factors in cancer diagnoses.  Risk of many cancers can be reduced by controlling for these factors.  

 

Ashkenazi Jewish women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation are at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, while Ashkenazi Jewish men with the mutation are at higher risk of developing male breast cancer and prostate cancer. 


Cigar smoking causes many of the same diseases as cigarette smoking.  While cigarette smoking rates are decreasing, cigar smoking rates are increasing.


In addition to BRCA, Jews have a proportionally high susceptibility to other cancers.  For more on hereditary cancers in Jews, click here.

 

 

Resources for Cancer Information

Cancer Numbers and Figures

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