Heart Cancer Life Expectancy

Question: a heart disease cure would incr. avg life expectancy by 16+ years, while a cancer cure only 1+. Is this true? I heard/read this once and was wondering if this is true as is doesn't make sense considering all the people that die of cancer.

Answer: You should cite the source of this information, ie (reports or research from the National Library of Medicine - Entrez Pubmed - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&DB=pubmed ). Perhaps you read the report out of context.

Question: stage 4 pancreatic cancer life expectancy? my g-ma just got diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. it has spread to her liver but i guess those spots are small. Honestly, approximetly how much time does she have to live? She got her first set of chemo today. The doctor won’t tell us her life expectancy. She said it wouldn’t be fair to tell her. Shes 61, looks healthy, and so athletic. Shes never had any other health problems. Please only answer if u know the answers factual. Shes my heart. I don’t want to be misled.

Answer: I am sorry about your grandmother. I was lucky enough to have mine for 35 years. It has been several years now and I still miss her very much. Of course no one is able to predict when someone will die and yes, every person is an individual. There are also patient’s who surprise us and live far longer than expected. However, I believe you asked this questin, because you want to know and you did ask to not to be misled. We have keep information on everyone diagnosed with cancer for 40 years and this is what our statistics are based on. Patients with stage 4 pancreatic cancer have a median survival of 2-6 months. Meaning 2-6 months after being diagnosed with stage 4 disease half the patients are alive. Patients with a better performance status live the longest. It appears your grandmother is in this group. At this point treatment is to prolong her life with as little symptoms as possible. Unfortunately, we already know we cannot manage or control pancratic cancer. Live for today and enjoy every moment together.

Question: life expectancy...cancer? What is the life expectancy for the last stage of gist cancer in a 75 year old patient who has an irregular heart beat?

Answer: It is impossible to predict life expectancy for anyone . . statistics are not for individual patients . . much will depend on the location of disease, response to first line treatment, patients overall health, the facility where treated and whether the oncologist is a sarcoma specialist. An irregular heart beat may or may not even be a factor with an individualized treatment. Anyone being treated for GIST needs to be seen by a specialist familiar with the disease, preferably at a Sarcoma Center. http://www.sarcomaalliance.com/centers.html They should be able to answer your questions as they see these types patients all the time and can evaluate the patient as an individual. Global GIST Network: Find a specialist http://www.liferaftgroup.org/gist_directory_GLOBALGIST.php

Question: What is our current life expectancy age based on? Is it mislaeading? I often hear media and medical articles state that the age life expectancy has increased over the past century, and yet as a health care worker I witness many people dying of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, side effects of AIDS (or the medications prescribed to treat it), accidents, drug overdoses and other conditions. Considering those who die in their 20’s – 50’s in addition to lives lost in the war, how is life expectancy determined?

Answer: Life expectancy is just an average, compiled from public health data. Life expectancy is the amount of time you can expect to live at birth. The primary reason it has increased this century is because of a drastic decrease in death in childhood and in infectious disease, because death in childhood greatly decreases -average- life expectancy. Further, a combination of public health measures (running water, sewage treatment, etc) and antibiotics has greatly decreased deaths due to infectious disease. Also, life expectancy depends on how old you are; for instance, if you're already sixty, life expectancy is greater than if you've just been born, because when you're sixty, you've already avoided dying before then. So - not very misleading. As a health care worker, you see a skewed sample, because you -only- see people who are sick or dying, not the majority who don't start to become seriously ill until later.

Question: Do you guys think that with President Obama reversing the stem cell ban, life expectancy will be higher? Like does anyone think we will find cures for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc. and extend the human lifespan? I know that in 2011 the full artificial heart will be available check out this link, http://dvice.com/archives/2008/10/first_fully_art.php

Answer: That probably depends on the next administration and whether or not the overturned ban is put into place again. Also, I would imagine it takes a while for life expectancy rates to change much, barring discoveries that are used by the majority of the population, including such discoveries as the polio vaccine or penicillin (though it sounds like that's what you're prognosticating). According to ElderWeb.com, the changes are evaluated with the Census Bureau info/National Vital Statistics Reports and the trends generally show an uptick of about 2 or 3 years each decade on average, probably due to whatever medical improvements take place during the decade. So will life expectancy be higher? The odds say yes, but I don't know at this point if we can specifically give credit to Obama's reversal of the stem cell ban or not.

Question: Can anyone give me any concrete evidence to support the fact that Vegetarians have a longer life expectancy? I have been considering becoming vegetarian, and have recently read that it can reduce risk of cancer and heart disease. What was even more interesting was that I read that Vegetarians have on average, a life expectancy that is 10 years longer than meat eaters. Now the problem is, that I read this in an answer to someone elses vegetarian based question, which isnt really a very reliable source. What I would like to know is, is there any truth in this, and can anybody provide a source or explain why this is the case? Thank You

Answer: I'm vegan myself, but you are right to be sceptical of the many extravagant, unrealistic and largely unsubstantiated claims made on this forum for the health benefits of vegetarianism and veganism. Many people give as their main reference the document 'Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Vegetarian diets', and claim it as 'proof' that veg*nism protects against several diseases. In fact the writers make no claim to 'proof' and a careful reading (or frankly even a quick skim) will show that they are just quoting the results of a number of studies. Studies are not proof; in one case, they give the results of a single study which suggests that meat may be implicated in prostate cancer. I have lost count of the number of times I have seen this reported here on V&V as 'meat has been shown/proven to cause prostate cancer'. It hasn't, the writers of the paper don't claim it has, and in fact it is not known even.to be a risk factor for prostate cancer - although it is thought that a diet high in dairy may influence a person's risk. Cancer specialists agree that a diet HIGH in meat, especially red and processed meats, can contribute to colorectal cancers. It is also thought that a diet high in meat and fat may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. A diet high in red and processed meat may influence the chances of stomach cancer. That's about it for known or suspected meat/cancer links. A risk factor is not a cause however; starting periods before the age of 12 is a risk factor for breast cancer, but it is certainly not a cause. Claims that 'meat causes cancer' (often seen on this forum) are nonsense, and make other vegans look silly. Unsubstantiated and ridiculous claims for the health benefits of veg*nism don't do us any favours. Rather than concrete evidence, what you are likely to be given is links to studies; those carrying out studies do not claim their findings as proof, and often other equally valid studies reach very different conclusions. If I went outside now and asked the first 30 people I saw the same set of questions - I've got me a study. And a larger study than, for instance, the ones that caused the panics over the MMR vaccine and autism or breast cancer and parabens. Nobody should accept the results of my study as proof of anything, though some people might quote it all over YA if it appeared to confirm their existing prejudices and beliefs. EDIT** oh and ''if you eat meat from an animal with cancer you will get it''? No you won't. The cells die shortly after the animal is killed and are already dead by the time you buy the meat, never mind after you cook it. Dead cells can't grow in your body. Yet the answer giving that 'fact' has more thumbs ups than any other so far. I rest my case

Question: Life expectancy with stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver? non-alcoholic, diabetic, heart disease, colon cancer (remission), diverticulitis, high blood pressure and hypothyroidisum

Answer: You need more details in order to answer this question with even a good guess. What is the reason for cirrhosis? Hep C? If yes, then the progression could be quicker to total liver failure. If this person is experiencing lots of fluid retention that needs tapped often, encephalopathy (confusion due to high ammonia levels), jaundice, internal bleeding and bruises easily, then their liver is near total failure and death could occur anywhere from a few months to a year. Remember this is just an estimate for someone who has all these symptoms.

Question: Has the human life expectancy decreased? know our life expectancy is a lot better than 100 years ago. However, now there are so many diseases going around. My mom got Gastric Cancer last year and is still getting treatment. Grandma on my dad's side has Esophageal Cancer and is getting treatment. Dad just found out he has heart problems and is a diabetic. An Uncle just died in March from Liver Cancer. And an Aunt just passed this Sunday because she had High Blood Pressure. She took pills and a vessel in her brain burst. And Grandma and Grandpa on Mom's side both have really high plood pressure and are diabetics. THey're both rather heavy too. What do you think?

Answer: In america yep

Question: My dog has cancer. The vet said its not worth surgery because of her age. ? My vet has just told me yesterday that my baby lexi-mama that is 9 years old has cancer and has spread to her second teet(nipple). He said that he could operate but would not be feasible for the cost and her life expectancy. I am heart broken and need some feed back. She doesn't act like she is in any kind of pain. She still acts likes a puppy at 9 which she just turned oct 7. Very playful, eating good just sleeps a little more lately. What should I do? I dont want to ever have her feel any pain but I cannot let her go now when she seems fine another than the lump that I found. Any answers? Please if you have anything negative dont reply. Thank you!!

Answer: I'm so sorry for your dog and you - I know how hard it is. Talk to your vet about herbal and/or homeopathic treatments for her. If she isn't in pain, there's things you can do to help her live longer and keep her quality of life. According to Dr. Pitcairn's book 'Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats', there are herbs and homeopathic treatments that help. He also suggests avoiding commerdical dog food, giving high levels of Vitamin C (one gram daily for every 15 pounds of weight), no tap water - give distilled. I'd say talk to your vet about options for your girl.

Question: Does healthy lifestyle matter if GENETICALLY your parents had inheritable diseases ? Sorry it is 3 paragraphs...but is there truly any point doing exercises, eating veg, low fat spreads no butter ,cream no beef? Monitoring BP and cholesterol, or are you 'doomed if you do and doomed if you don't'? if there is cancer, heart troubles, and lessened life expectancy in YOUR family? Case notes: someone eating salad ever day for at least 20 yrs, brown/ malted breads/ oatcakes, drinking green tea, no milk or cheese, fatless stews and soups, normal weight, never smoked a cig in his life, doesnt drink, perfect BP and low cholesterol level just had a heart attack in my family, and angioplasty and so but eating flora with statins in it and garlic capsules and omega 2 capsules still has blocked arteries due to age and thickened blood. and has CLL too. dr says it is 'down to age and genetics'. so, maybe we should all have butter , chips and a bit of what we fancy , drink and smoke, and do some walking every day . id supposedly, we are a nation of greasy stodge lovers they say, but how come heart attacks still come and cancer still happens even after looking after yourself perfectly? edit: omega 3 (typos)

Answer: a healthy lifestyle still matters, cause symptoms may be much worse or occur earlier in life with no healthy lifestyle. But remember not to overdo it. Have a little bit of junk food every once in a while.. it's about moderation.

Question: GIST CANCER information? My grandmother was told she probably had Pancreatic Cancer, but we got the test results back and found out she has GIST Cancer. The tumor is I believe 17 cms. She also has an irregular heart. The doctor is going to try to treat her with a pill. Im not exactly sure what the name of the pill is, he just simply called it the wonder pill or miracle pill. Anyone know if the pill could have an effect on her heart? What is the life expectancy for high risk GIST? She is 75 years old. Any information on this cancer would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Your grandmother has a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor which is a rare type of sarcoma. GIST research has revolutionized cancer treatments when it was discovered that the tumors respond significantly to a pill called Gleevec. There are, of course, no guarantees, but many, many GIST patients have responded to Gleevec and those that do not have another option called Sutent. Because of the unique response that GIST patients had with Gleevec which is a targeted therapy, it opened the door for other types of sarcoma to be treated. Unfortunately, other sarcoma's have not had the same types of response seen in GIST. However, because of GIST there is now new found interest in the disease and far more treatment options available to GIST patients including surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and clinical trials. Gleevec (Imatinib) and the heart do not get along (problems with the heart are considered a side effect), but it is something the doctors are aware . . it may be worth the risk if your grandmother has a complete response to the drug. Another option is the Sutent (sunitinib malate), which is similar to Gleevec and is given when it is not possible to use Gleevec (Imatinib) Imatinib (marketed as gleevec) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imatinib Sunitinib (marketed as sutent) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutent There are a number of GIST support groups that you can turn to for advice. They will share experiences and where to seek out the best treatments for the disease: Liferaft Group: GIST http://www.liferaftgroup.org/

Question: Do you think the media causes problems with their "jumping the gun" reporting? I do. I think they take a little bit of information and print it, not caring that it may not be correct. They hurt people and institutions by this irresponsible reporting i.e., quite a few years ago, at our zoo, we had 3 polar bears die within a short period of time. The public crucified the zoo and the people that work there. After the necropsies came out - the media printed a retraction but who read it? The damage was done. The keepers were telling my class that the public said nasty, mean things within hearing of the keepers while at the zoo. They took what the media said as truth. The public has no idea what goes on behind the scenes at zoos; how the keepers love their charges right down to little bitty poison dart frogs .When an animal dies, it is a big deal to everyone. Two of the bears were born with congenital heart problems, and that is what killed them. The other one was 29 years old and had cancer. Life expectancy of a polar bear is 31 years old. But that does not mean they all live that long. Like people, some live to be 100 and some die at 30. Our zoo has a lot of very old animals - whose life expectancy in the wild is half the age they are now. The media also did a report on our two polar bear cubs. The keeper was telling the reporter that while the cubs are cute, the public should obey the rules and not climb the fence to get a better look at the cubs and what did he print? That the cubs were cute and cut everything else out. I think the media should be responsible for their actions and should be sued if they cause harm to anyone because of their irresponsible reporting.

Answer: I agree with you 100%. Blame Ted Turner for 24/7 news and having to fill all that time. They speculate about everything. Can you imagine being accused of a crime that you did not commit and having the media and the public hounding you night and day? It would be a nightmare and worse if the media didn't get out that you were innocent.

Question: Why are Americans so Unhealthy? Now lets ignore obesity for a moment, and lets look at Heart Disease, Cancer, and Chronic disese statistics. We are 29th in healthy life expectancy and yet we spend the MOST on (supposed) "Health Care". 65% of the population has at least ONE chronic disease. And the numbers keep climbing. They say in the next 20 years it wont be 1 in 3 to get cancer, it will be 1 in 2. Hmm why? Doesnt this strike anyone as odd ? At all?? Do we all believe that we somehow are sponaneously being struck down by diseases which have no cause? Why are diseases doubling, tripling, and quadrupling in frequency every decade? There is more to it than pollution ... Something is very wrong.

Answer: government

Question: How can we improve our (American) failing healthcare system? The New England Journal of Medicine stated that, "The American healthcare system is at once the most expensive and the most inadequate system in the developed world." It's true, we spend more money on healthcare than any other nation, yet according to the WHO, we average #23 for life expectancy, #15 for overall achievement, and #72 for performance on the level of health (how well the healthcare system improve's a citizen's health). And it's not for a lack of technology or medication. A Kaiser Family Foundation study showed that in 2003, 3.1 BILLION prescriptions were filled that year, which equals 11 prescriptions for every man, woman, and child in the US. But childhood obesity, diabetes, depression, autism (CDC says 1 out of 166 children has autism)and other diseases are on the RISE, and America has the highest percentage of people suffering from mental disorders. Heart disease and cancer are running rampant. Our healthcare system is not working. How can we fix it? . . . It's really not about a "lack" of resources. Our healthcare system kills about 800,000 people annually (www.lef.org), making it the number one killer in the US, surpassing even heart disease and cancer. I'm not saying that the medical system doesn't save lives, b/c emergency care in the US is amazing, but in general our health as a nation is terrible.

Answer: Western medicine does nothing to promote well-being. Every drug pushed by every pharmaceutical company does nothing to balance the body, heal, or promote health. The only thing today's drugs do is mask symptoms so we can feel better, NOW. Each individual needs to assume an active role in their own well being. The drug companies need to stop synthesizing elements of nature into drugs that create more imbalances than they fix. We need to realize (as a society) that energy medicine that's been practiced in other cultures for centuries WORKS. The health care (and I use that term loosely) system in this country needs to be scrapped and rebuilt with a focus on wellness instead of illness.

Question: If you have a ....? If you have a family history of premature deaths (I mean before life expectancy) due to stroke, cancer and heart disease. Would that mean that your life expectancy is lower? I am very healthy just like all my family before me but somehow these things happened

Answer: i think it depends on how the members in your family looked after there body's i relay wouldn't worry to much do all the right things stop stressing over it because that's not good and maybe see your doctor and ask him if you should have a check up more often

Question: Why is it in America We Spend so much Money On "Health Care"? And yet our cancer and heart disease rates are rising? Along with every other chronic/autoimmune disease.. I mean all these charity organizations for numerous diseases and where has it gotten us? We are not only not improving but we are actually becomming more and more disease ridden! America is 29th in the WORLD for healthy life expectancy! Thats pretty bad considering we spend the most on it. hmmm... thoughts anyone?

Answer: these are two different questions. our life expectancy is not tops because of all the bad food we eat as a nation. ever see super size me the movie? major cause for heart disease is obesity. as for the costs, yes, i agree with the other poster. we spend a lot bc of all the litigation. we are the most litigious country in the world. and therefore drs here pass on their cost of malpractice insurance onto us.