Why are cancer rates skyrocketing ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the rising rates of cancer diagnoses and the potential causes behind this trend. Participants explore various theories, including demographic changes, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences, while questioning the adequacy of current research efforts in addressing the issue.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the increase in cancer rates may be attributed to an aging population and longer life expectancy, leading to more diagnoses.
  • Others argue that the rise in cancer rates is not solely due to population growth, citing factors such as smoking, infections, alcohol consumption, obesity, inactivity, radiation exposure, air pollution, and delayed parenthood.
  • There is mention of genetic predisposition to certain cancers, with the idea that environmental factors may trigger cancer in those with a genetic risk.
  • One participant highlights the importance of understanding the current cancer diagnosis rates to contextualize the predicted increases.
  • Another viewpoint posits that as other causes of death diminish, cancer becomes more prevalent as a leading cause of mortality.
  • Some participants speculate that modern dietary habits could be contributing to the rise in cancer rates, though details are lacking.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of research funding and focus, with references to historical shifts in research priorities.
  • A specific study predicting a 75% increase in cancer diagnoses by 2030 is referenced, emphasizing demographic changes as a significant factor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the causes of rising cancer rates, with no consensus reached. While some agree on demographic factors being significant, others emphasize additional lifestyle and environmental influences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the primary drivers of the increase.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the relationship between cancer rates and various contributing factors is complex and may depend on definitions and assumptions about health and longevity. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the impact of modern lifestyles and the effectiveness of current research efforts.

  • #31
Pythagorean said:
How is death rate defined?

Sorry for clumsy English: "Case fatality rate" is the right term.

people who died on cancer (according to death certificate) / all diagnosed cases of cancer (that were properly reported)

By occasion: case fatality rate of over 100% it's a good idea for horror story :D
 
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  • #32
Ah, I see. That makes more sense.
 
  • #33
I didn't find anyone mentioning that there have been many studies that are linking the exposure to electromagnetic frequencies such as wifi, microwaves, cell phones, etc. causes for cancer. And that there are also studies that are showing the cure for cancer can be achieved by implementing treatment with electromagnetic frequencies.
 
  • #34
SHMANDWACK said:
I didn't find anyone mentioning that there have been many studies that are linking the exposure to electromagnetic frequencies such as wifi, microwaves, cell phones, etc. causes for cancer. And that there are also studies that are showing the cure for cancer can be achieved by implementing treatment with electromagnetic frequencies.

From the US National Cancer Institute:
"Studies thus far have not shown a consistent link between cell phone use and cancers of the brain, nerves, or other tissues of the head or neck." (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cellphones)

Although there are some data suggesting a link between cell phone usage and cancer, there are many others showing no link and in the studies showing a correlation, the effect is small and inconsistent (e.g. they show no increase in risk with increase in dosage). See the link above for a more in depth discussion of the relevant studies. On the whole, current evidence suggests the radiofrequency emissions used by cell phones and similar devices do not cause cancer.
 
  • #35
SHMANDWACK said:
I didn't find anyone mentioning that there have been many studies that are linking the exposure to electromagnetic frequencies such as wifi, microwaves, cell phones, etc. causes for cancer. And that there are also studies that are showing the cure for cancer can be achieved by implementing treatment with electromagnetic frequencies.

Maybe because that's all nonsense?
 
  • #36
SHMANDWACK said:
And that there are also studies that are showing the cure for cancer can be achieved by implementing treatment with electromagnetic frequencies.

We cure cancer every day with h\nu ~ 0.25 - 18 MeV. Unfortunately it's not all cancers, all the time.
 
  • #37
SHMANDWACK said:
I didn't find anyone mentioning that there have been many studies that are linking the exposure to electromagnetic frequencies such as wifi, microwaves, cell phones, etc. causes for cancer.

Here, some recent results are discussed:
http://www.bfs.de/en/elektro/strahlenschutz_mobilfunk/weitere_informationen/stellungnahmen
 
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