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World Cancer Day – A Fight To Create A Cancer-Free World!

By Dixit Arora +2 more

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer has the second-highest death toll in the world. In fact, 1300 Indians lose the battle against cancer every day.

The Union for International Cancer Control observes World Cancer Day on 4th Feb every year to spread awareness about different types of Cancers.

World Cancer Day - A Fight To Create A Cancer-Free World! - PharmEasy

Note that 2024 is also the last year of the 3-year ”Close the Gap” campaign, starting from 2022 and culminating in 2024. This campaign focuses on what we as individuals can do to create a cancer-free world.

So, what makes World Cancer Day so important? It is important because if you are armed with the right information, you can take steps at the right time to cut down your risk of cancer and help others as well. This will help bring down cancer rates in the world. 

This world cancer day, let us learn more about cancer.

Most prevalent cancer types

Do you know which cancers are the most common ones? WHO has identified the following cancers as the most prevalent-

  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Skin cancer
  • Stomach cancer  

And the cancers that cause the most number of deaths are-

  • Lung cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Breast cancer

Causes of cancer

Do we know what exactly causes cancer? No, doctors are unsure about it. What they do know is that cancer results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. If the DNA in your cell mutates unnaturally, the cell becomes malignant. And when this cell begins to multiply, it creates several more cells that are cancerous. This is how cancer develops and spreads. 

Some people are born with flawed DNA whereas others acquire it in their lifetime. Yet not everyone with flawed DNA develops cancer.

This made scientists and researchers realize that there are other external factors that trigger cancer such as-

  • Ionizing radiation from radiation therapy, x-rays etc. or the UV rays of the sun
  • Carcinogenic foods
  • Biological carcinogens (infections caused by microbes such as HPV, HIV or Hepatitis B)
  • Chemical carcinogens (particles that enter your body such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, arsenic, asbestos, etc), Electromagnetic field
  • Obesity

Can you prevent cancer?

Since certain external factors are responsible for triggering cancer, you can adopt a few measures to minimize your risk of getting cancer.  

Here are a few things you must do to cut down the risk of cancer

  • Do you smoke? Quit smoking immediately. And if you are not a smoker, don’t acquire this deadly habit. Tobacco is carcinogenic in every form- smoked or chewed. Its particles can cause cancers of the mouth, larynx, throat, cervix, kidney and bladder. Don’t chew tobacco. And try to limit your exposure to second-hand smoking.
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  • Don’t drink alcohol or even if you do, then try to quit. Alcoholism can cause liver, kidney, breast, colon and lung cancers in both men and women.
  • The International Agency For Research On Cancer considers all forms of red meat (such as goat, lamb, pigs) as possibly carcinogenic. Avoid them. 
  • Lose weight. Obesity greatly multiplies the risk of different cancers. And this is a problem you can easily deal with. Healthy diet and some physical activity can help you. Consult a doctor if you find it difficult to lose weight. Save yourself from the dangerous UV rays. Avoid going out at noon. And shield yourself with sunscreen, umbrellas and hats.
  • Viruses like HPV, hepatitis B can give you cancer, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
  • Use protective gear if you are exposed to dangerous substances like lead, asbestos etc.  
  • Breast cancer, cervical cancer and skin cancer are preventable because they all have screening tests that can detect the cancers in the early stages. Get regular health checkups and cancer screenings after the age of 30.
  • Practice safe sex
  • Eat fresh and healthy food. Cut down on packaged, processed food items.

If you notice any unusual change in or on your body, or if you feel unwell, do not waste time, talk to an expert. Sudden and unexplained  weight loss, decrease in appetite, weakness, a lump in the body, a painless non-healing ulcer in the mouth are some conditions which should not be ignored. Remember, early detection of cancer can improve the treatment outcome to many folds. Stay healthy and alert to lower your risk of cancer.

Also Read: Exploring the Link: What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Ref

  1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_2
  2. https://www.worldcancerday.org/about/2022-2024-world-cancer-day-campaign
  3. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_1
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