Background on cancer: Cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States for people between the ages of 35 and 65. With the anticipated continued decrease in deaths from heart disease and strokes, cancer will become the overall leading cause of death for the entire American population by the year 2010. Changes in life-style are partly responsible for this increase in cancer, which is a world-wide phenomenon. Cancers can apparently be caused by certain chemicals in our enviro- ment, and started by some sexually transmitted viruses. Other cases seem to run in families that are predisposed, and in people with weak immune systems. The truth is that no one knows why one particular person gets cancer and another does not. We do know, however, that more people are getting it than ever before! copyright©CancerAnswers, 1994 all rights reserved last updated May 26, 2010