Medical Diving with cancer
cancer Diving with
BY DR GARY MORRIS AND DR FRANS CRONJÉ
Whether experienced or newly qualified, all divers who have been diagnosed with cancer need to re-evaluate their fitness to dive. here are more than 200 types of cancers affecting 60 different organs in the body. The term cancer covers a wide range of medical conditions associated with abnormal and rapidly growing cells. Treatments for cancer vary both in type and effectiveness, although survival rates continue to improve through earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments. A combination of increased awareness of early presentations, improved screening and the rising average age of the diving population have led to an increase in the prevalence of cancer amongst divers. Sun exposure, HIV infection, smoking and contemporary diets also contribute to this increase.
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