Oncology in Israel

Lung cancer is a disease characterized by the random and uncontrolled cell growth of lung tissue. Without timely treatment, it can metastasize into other parts of the body, such as the brain.

Colorectal (colon) cancer is the third most common oncologic disease in the US. Common risk factors include colon polyps, family history, colitis, age and ethnicity. Common early symptoms include bloating, diarrhea or constipation and blood in stool). However, as these generally are unspecific, regular screenings are important.

There are three types of skin cancer:

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in US women (after skin cancer). It affects approximately 10-12% of women worldwide. It develops in the cells of the mammary glands and can also, rarely, affect men. When detected early, the disease has a very good prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of over 90%.

Gallbladder cancer is an extremely rare disease of the digestive tract, more common in women than in men. Its causes include age, family history, gallstones, porcelain gallbladder, choledochal cysts, gallbladder polyps and exposure to certain chemicals (such as nitrosamines). Common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, jaundice, nausea and fever.

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries. The tumor’s characteristics will depend on which of the three different types of cells present in the ovaries the type it develops from (epithelial, germ cell or stromal).

When found early, it can often be successfully treated. The disease can be diagnosed by means of a PAP-smear.

Thyroid cancers are relatively uncommon. However, with timely treatment, both cure and 10-year survival rates are very high. While experts don’t yet have a definitive answer as to what causes the condition, exposure to radiation (including radiation treatment) is considered a major contributing factor.