Cancer is a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Cancer is not just one disease, but many diseases. There are more than 100 kinds of cancer

Second leading cause of death in our state, according to the Texas Cancer Plan. Almost every Texan, whether connected personally or through loved ones, has been affected by cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates the following numbers of new cancer cases and cancer deaths for Texas in 2023:2

• Estimated new cases of cancer: 166,760
• Estimated cancer deaths: 50,980

Breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer are the most common cancer types in Texas. They are also the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Texas.

Two most common risk factors for cancer are tobacco use and being overweight or obese. In 2022, approximately 70% of Texas adults were classified as overweight or obese and approximately 12% of Texas adults reported smoking every day or some days.