Popular Science - USA (2020 - Winter)

Uterine In 1930, this cancer
was five times more likely to kill
than it is today. That’s partly be-
cause we now recognize one of
the key symptoms: unusual vag-
inal bleeding in postmenopausal
patients. The birth control pill
may also reduce risk, while hor-
mone therapy and surgery offer
potential treatment options.

Stomach Rates of this disease

have declined almost every year

since 1930. One reason: New an-

tibiotics can treat Heliobacter

pylori infections, which trigger

inflammation that ups cancer

odds. To avoid radical surgery,

researchers are working on ways

to identify the illness early, when

less invasive options might work.

BreastAncient Egyptians

thought this ailment was incur-

able. But post–World War II,

researchers refined chemother-

apy and radiation to better kill

cancer cells. Hormone- blocking

drugs can now cut the chance of

recurrence. If all else fails, meds

that stunt tumor growth can pro-

long life by months or years.

Colorectal This affliction is

rising in younger Americans, but

it typically strikes adults older

than 65. Fortunately, it’s more

treatable than ever. During rou-

tine colonoscopies, doctors can

remove polyps before they de-

velop further. If they find cancer,

surgery can still be effective if the

tumor hasn’t metastasized.

POPSCI.COM / WINTER 2020 11

block height

indicates death rate

per 100,000 people