Every year on , World Cancer Day is observed internationally to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilize action to address the global cancer epidemic. Established in the year 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the day serves as a crucial reminder that collective and individual efforts are vital in reducing the impact of this widespread disease.
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, often forming tumors that can spread. While Notice many types of cancer – including breast, lung, colorectal, and leukemia – all share this common characteristic. The global burden of cancer is significant, with nearly ten million deaths occurring annually worldwide. A substantial portion of these deaths – almost half – are preventable through modifications to lifestyle and risk factors.
Understanding Prevention: Primary and Secondary Approaches
Preventing cancer involves two key strategies: primary and secondary prevention. ‘Primary prevention’ focuses on reducing exposure to risk factors. This includes supporting individuals in making healthy lifestyle choices through effective regulation of tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages, reducing pollution, and increasing access to green spaces and opportunities for physical activity. Tobacco use is identified as the leading preventable cause of cancer, linked to around 15 types of cancer, including lung and liver cancers. Quitting smoking significantly improves both life expectancy and quality of life.
Secondary cancer prevention centers on screening and early detection, aiming to catch cancer at its most treatable stages. Regular screening tests are crucial in this process. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to combat cancer, as many cancers are successfully treated when diagnosed early, before they have spread.
Key Lifestyle Factors and Preventative Measures
Beyond avoiding tobacco, several lifestyle modifications can significantly lower cancer risk. Limiting alcohol intake reduces the risk of cancers such as mouth, oesophagus, and breast cancer. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also protective, lowering the risk of colon and kidney cancers, among others. Reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and avoiding tanning beds are vital for skin cancer prevention.
Workplace exposures to substances like asbestos also increase cancer risk, highlighting the importance of policies to minimize these exposures. Chronic infections are responsible for approximately 16% of cancers globally, but vaccines against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) offer preventative measures against liver and cervical cancers, respectively.
A People-Centred Approach to Cancer Care
The World Cancer Day theme for –, “United by Unique,” emphasizes a people-centred approach to cancer care. This recognizes that every individual’s experience with cancer is unique, encompassing grief, pain, healing, resilience, and love. A compassionate and empathetic approach that fully integrates each person’s unique needs leads to the best health outcomes. The focus is shifting towards looking beyond the disease and seeing the person before the patient, ensuring that health systems prioritize the needs of people and communities.
What Can You Do?
Individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their cancer risk. These include adopting healthy lifestyles, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, limiting sun exposure, and getting vaccinated. Encouraging others to do the same is also crucial. It’s important to be aware of potential warning signs that should prompt a medical evaluation. These include:
- Sudden weight loss – for no apparent reason.
- Persistent cough or hoarseness – especially over weeks.
- Unusual swelling or lumps – e.g. In the chest, neck or other areas of the body.
- Changes in the skin – new moles or changes to existing ones.
- Bleeding – e.g. In stool, urine or after coughing.
- Permanent pain – especially when it appears new.
- Digestive problems – such as chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Regular checkups are also vital, and many health insurance companies offer free check-up options. For those at higher risk, early detection tests for breast, colon, or skin cancer (depending on age and risk profile) are recommended.
Collective Action is Key
Addressing the global cancer epidemic requires a coordinated effort involving individuals, communities, organizations, and governments. Governments can implement vaccination programs, regulate tanning salons, ban asbestos, and promote public health campaigns. Schools can educate about cancer risk factors and promote good nutrition and physical activity. Employers can enforce policies to prevent exposure to carcinogens and promote healthy lifestyles. Communities can develop environments that support health and well-being.
World Cancer Day serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer. By working together, we can reimagine a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented and access to life-saving treatment and care is equitable for all, regardless of location or background.
