Major Diseases in the United States

Cancer

If there was ever a disease that has caused more concern among Americans, it is cancer. Just about everyone knows someone who has had the disease or who have succumbed to it in the United States and around the world. Cancer consists of a group of over 100 diseases in which there is an abnormal growth of cells that may spread to other portions of the body, if not treated in time and even with treatment, the tumors might not disappear. Some cancers grow fast, while others are gradual. Cancer can occur in any part of the body – lungs, breast, skin, colon or even blood. The disease is treatable in some cases, especially if it is discovered and treatment is sought in the early stages. Read what is currently being done about cancer and donate to the American Cancer Society to play your part in combating this debilitating disease.

This video gives an excellent illustration on what cancer is and why it is so difficult to treat

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s is a chronic disease belonging to the IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease category. It causes inflammation, swelling or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract affecting the colon and ileum. The disease is also associated with fistulae and ulcers. Each year, 700,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the major organization working to help provide a cure as well as financial aid to the healthcare sector, in order to improve the quality of life of the afflicted patients. Need more specific information on Crohn’s, click here.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder in which the glucose level in the blood is extremely high because of the body’s inability to absorb it, due to lack of insulin production by the pancreas. Diabetes can afflict anyone and if not treated.  It can cause kidney infections, nerve damage and foot problems. In the US alone, 29 million people have diabetes. Read more about it here and contribute to the cause by donating to American Diabetes Association and help save lives.

Parkinson’s disease

Over one million people in the US are living with this chronic and progressive disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative brain disorder in which the affected person’s brain stops the production of dopamine. Over time, the person keeps losing control over body movements and emotions. The complications of Parkinson’s can be fatal and the disease is the 14th most common cause of death in the US. Read about the work being done control Parkinson’s Disease and please pledge your support for the fight against it by donating to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

Alzheimer’s disease

This progressive neurological disorder results from the brain cells degenerating over the course of time. It leads to symptoms such as short term memory loss, early senility, behavioral changes, mood swings, language issues and physical orientation problems. As the disease progresses, the patient’s condition declines – the loss of bodily functions ultimately result in death. While researchers continue to explore and unravel potential treatments for Alzheimer’s, you could donate to the Fischer Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation to help fight the sixth leading cause of death in the USA.

COPD

The term Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is used to describe a group of lung diseases that contains chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There is a blockage of air from the breathing organs, causing shortness of breath. More than 12 million Americans suffer from this chronic progressive disease and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While the disease cannot be cured, preventative measures do exist and treatments can help to reduce the symptoms, which subsequently helps to improve the living conditions of the afflicted patients. You can learn more what it’s about here and donations can be made to the COPD Foundation if you want to be part of the cause.

Depression

Most people fail to acknowledge the fact that depression is a real illness that has devastating effects on the brain, preventing the affected individuals from behaving in a normal manner. Persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and manic-depressive illness are a few types of depression. It is a serious medical condition, but fortunately, it is very treatable. The WHO claims that around 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression everyday. If you suffer from depression or know someone who does, you can learn more about it here. Donations can be made to the Hope for Depression Research Foundation.