Is Cancer More Serious If You Also Have Another Disease?

When cancer develops in someone with other diseases, it can be more serious, according to a recent annual report from several national cancer organizations.

“Cancer does not occur in isolation,” says Lawrence Shulman, MD, in commenting on the report. “It occurs in a human being, who may have other medical problems.”

For example, if you have heart disease, obesity, or diabetes in addition to cancer — which doctors call “co-morbidities” — you are more likely to die from your cancer than someone who is dealing with cancer only.

This reinforces the importance of committing to a healthy lifestyle, Shulman says. “We increase our odds of surviving cancer if we take good care of ourselves. And, of course, a healthy lifestyle — not smoking, exercise, and weight control — all reduce the chance of getting cancer in the first place.”

Learn more about how to maintain good health through nutrition and exercise.

1 thought on “Is Cancer More Serious If You Also Have Another Disease?”

  1. Ha! You should check out my husband. He’s a walking medical anomaly. He has severe Asthma, 80-85% Spondy in his LS region. He developed Churg-Strauss syndrome. He later ended up with IGA Multiple myaloma. Then he had prostrate cancer. Both of his eyes have had lens replacements. He has arthritis. He’s constantly in pain. now he is morbidly obese. Lets see, I don’t think I forgot anything. Oh ya, High blood pressure and heart myopathy. There, that should do it.

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