February 4th, also known as World Cancer Day; plays a crucial role in raising awareness of cancer worldwide and encouraging its prevention, detection, and treatment. Unfortunately, most people are unaware they have the disease until it’s in the later stages. It is a day dedicated to educating individuals worldwide about the importance of early detection and effective treatment options. With millions of people diagnosed with cancer every year, spreading awareness is crucial in reducing its impact and improving outcomes for patients. Regular doctor checkups which may help to identify the disease in its primitive stages to prevent it from spreading throughout the body.
Raising awareness about the disease- on World Cancer Day
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. There are over 100 different types of cancer, each individual cancer has different characteristics, even cancers of the same type. This genetic variation is one of the one reason why treating cancer is so hard. If a tumor is made up of cells with many different genomes, a single drug might not kill them all. But, knowing the genetic variation can help to develop targeted treatments.
The four most common cancers occurring worldwide are female breast, lung, bowel and prostate cancers. These four account for more than four in ten of all cancers diagnosed worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with an estimated 10 million deaths in 2020 alone.
World Cancer Day statistics revealed more men developing cancers in comparison to women.
- The most frequently diagnosed types of cancer in men are: prostate (8.6%), lung (11.7%), colorectal (10.2%) and bladder (5.9%).
- The most frequently diagnosed types of cancer in women are: breast (30.7%), lung (10.3%), colorectal (9.6%) and uterus (6.4%).
World Cancer Day is aimed at helping individuals recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease for early detection and prompt treatment. While the symptoms may vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, common warning signs include persistent cough, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unexplained weight loss, and unusual lumps or growths. It is essential for individuals to pay attention to their bodies and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any concerning symptoms.
On world cancer day, we shine the spotlight on obesity which affect billions of people globally. It is also associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Obesity or being overweight increases the risk of many negative health conditions such as stroke, heart diseases, and high blood pressure to name a few. By exercising regularly and keeping your weight regulated, you’ll be able to avoid most illnesses associated with being obese.
Infections:
- Infected with certain viruses and bacteria can increase the risk of specific cancers. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease most people get through unprotected sex. Early detection and treatment is a great way to prevent the disease from becoming cancerous and spreading throughout the body.
- According to CDC, ‘Smoking tobacco can cause cancer then block your body from fighting it’. Smoking and using tobacco products are major contributors to lung, throat, esophageal, and other types of cancer. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemical compounds, over 70 of which are known carcinogens that cause direct damage to DNA in cells. These include compounds like benzene, formaldehyde, polonium-210, and nitrosamines. It is estimated that over 87% of lung cancer deaths are attributable to tobacco smoking.
- Quitting smoking at any age can significantly lower cancer risk compared to continued smoking. Even after decades of heavy smoking, the body begins healing and undoing some cancer-causing changes soon after cessation.
Work Exposures:
- Some jobs may involve exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), such as asbestos, Radiation, Aromatic amine, Arsenic Diesel Exhaust, Silica, and pollutants, can contribute to cancer risks. Therefore, if you work in these environments; it is highly recommended to wear protective equipment when engaging with these substances.
- For example, Diesel exhaust has been classified as a known carcinogen by WHO/IARC with particulates that lodge in lungs causing inflammation, cell mutations and lung cancer particularly among miners, truckers, railroad/dock workers.
- One of the goals of the world cancer day is to raise awareness on workplace protections and safety protocols including proper ventilation, protective equipment, exposure monitoring and limits have proven effective in reducing occupational cancer risks over time. Remember, you work to earn an income, not to kill yourself!
- Heavy and regular alcohol consumption is linked to an elevated risk of various cancers, including those of the liver, breast, and esophagus. When the body processes ethanol in alcoholic beverages, byproducts like acetaldehyde and free radicals are generated which can directly damage cell DNA and cause mutations that impair normal cell division and proliferation. Moderate alcohol consumption (1 drink per day for women and 2 for men) results in elevated risk, with risk climbing sharply the more one drinks regularly over years. Binge drinking also heightens risk.
- Over 20% of alcohol-related cancers could be prevented by reducing heavy episodic and chronic alcohol intake. Also, persons may consider quit drinking, and allow the body to heal and rejuvenate itself.
- Diets high in processed meats, fried foods, refined grains and sugary foods have been shown to contribute to higher cancer risk. Processed meats like bacon, sausage, canned meat and smoked meat have been classified by the WHO as carcinogenic. The chemicals used for processing and the compounds that form when cooking at high temperatures promote tumor growth. Checkout our Top foods that causes you to gain weight to remove from your shopping list
- World cancer day is aimed at encouraging individuals to eat more Fruits, vegetables and whole grains which contain antioxidants, fiber and other compounds that regulate inflammation levels and protect cells from DNA damage may help prevent and fight the disease.
Conclusion
On World Cancer Day, I believe collectively we can contribute to a world where the impact of cancer is reduced, through factors like tobacco use that causes nearly 20% of cancers, make technologies for early diagnosis and treatment more accessible and affordable. While not all cases of the disease can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, can significantly lower the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. Additionally, participating in recommended cancer screenings and check-ups can help detect it at an early stage when treatment is most effective.