National Cancer Awareness Day: Its Significance & What Can Be Done For A Cancer-Free Future
Cancer touches millions of lives worldwide, and awareness is the first step towards prevention and early detection. As we mark National Cancer Awareness Day, it's crucial to understand the history, causes, symptoms, and actionable prevention steps that can protect ourselves and our loved ones. This article sheds light on the importance of awareness, educates on cancer basics, and provides practical advice to help you fight cancer in every way possible.
What is the story of national cancer awareness day?
National Cancer Awareness Day was first initiated in 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in India. Observed every year on November 7th, this day coincides with the birthday of Marie Curie, the world-renowned scientist whose groundbreaking work in radiotherapy laid the foundation for cancer treatment. The purpose of National Cancer Awareness Day is to spread awareness about the severity of cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment. By educating ourselves and others, we can collectively work towards reducing cancer incidence in India and beyond.
What is cancer and how does it develop?
Cancer originates when cells in the body grow uncontrollably, often leading to lumps that can spread to other parts of the body. This rapid cell growth can result from genetic mutations or external factors that disrupt the body's natural cell cycle.
Tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with malignant ones posing the risk of metastasis – the process where cancer cells spread from the original site to other parts of the body, advancing the disease to a more dangerous stage.
There were nearly 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide, with India ranking third among countries with the highest number of cases. Experts predict a 57.5% increase in cancer cases in India by 2040, bringing the number to approximately 2.08 million.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis across the nation. By educating ourselves on the fundamentals of cancer and advocating for preventive measures, we can work together to protect our communities.
What are the most common types of cancer?
Cancer can originate in different parts of the body and is categorised based on the affected area. Here are some of the common types of cancer:
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Colon and Rectal Cancer
- Endometrial Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukaemia
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Melanoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
Understanding the most common types of cancer can help us recognize potential symptoms and prioritize regular health check-ups, especially if there's a family history of cancer or other risk factors.
The 5 most prevalent cancers in India
In India, certain cancers are more prevalent due to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The five most commonly diagnosed cancers in India are:
- Lung Cancer
- Oral Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
These cancers contribute significantly to the nation’s cancer burden. Awareness about these types and their symptoms can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.
What are the risk factors that can lead to the development of cancer?
Cancer can be influenced by numerous factors. Here are some of the main risk factors contributing to the development of cancer:
1. Age: The likelihood of cancer increases with age, especially for individuals over 65.
2. Family History: Genetic predispositions play a role in cancer risk, particularly if close relatives have had cancer.
3. Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco are among the most well-known causes of cancers like lung, mouth, stomach, liver, and colon cancer.
4. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: High alcohol intake can raise the risk of oral, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers.
5. Viral Infections: Viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C can increase cancer risk.
6. Unprotected Long-Term UV Exposure: Sun exposure and tanning beds can elevate skin cancer risk.
7. Radiation Exposure: High radiation exposure, including certain medical treatments, increases the risk.
8. Poor Diet: Diets high in sugars, unhealthy fats, processed, or smoked foods are linked to higher cancer risks.
9. Sedentary Lifestyle: Inactive lifestyles are associated with cancers linked to obesity and metabolic issues.
10. Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy has been linked to increased risk of some cancers.
11. Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a significant cancer risk factor, especially for cancers like breast, colon, and pancreas.
12. Chemical Exposure: Frequent exposure to chemicals like radon and asbestos can raise cancer risk.
Awareness of these risk factors allows individuals to make informed lifestyle choices that may reduce cancer risk.
Is early detection of cancer important?
Early detection of cancer symptoms significantly improves treatment outcomes. Persistent, unusual symptoms should never be ignored. Here are some of the common warning signs of cancer:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Severe, recurrent headaches
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Extreme fatigue
- Changes in skin color or texture
- Sores that don’t heal
- Changes in existing moles
- Blood in stool
- Frequent indigestion or heartburn
- Altered bowel or urinary patterns
- Lumps in the breast or other areas
- Skin thickening in the breast
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Persistent fever
- Night sweats
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Early detection is essential in managing cancer effectively.
How can you reduce the risk of cancer?
While cancer cannot always be prevented, several lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. Here are some practical cancer prevention tips:
1. Avoid Tobacco: Say no to smoking and chewing tobacco to reduce cancer risk.
2. Healthy Diet: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
3. Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity regularly to maintain a healthy body weight and improve overall wellness.
4. Protect Your Skin: Apply sunscreen to shield skin from UV radiation and avoid tanning beds.
5. Routine Health Check-ups: Regular screenings (e.g., mammograms and CT scans) can detect cancer early.
Treatment options if you have cancer
Cancer treatment options vary based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Early diagnosis can open the door to a broader range of treatment choices. Some common cancer treatments include:
- Surgery: Surgeons can remove cancerous tissue from the body.
- Chemotherapy: Medications that shrink or destroy cancer cells are administered.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation targets and kills cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormones that fuel cancer growth are blocked to inhibit disease progression.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the immune system to attack cancer cells, often with remarkable results.
Advanced Cancer Treatment: CAR T Cell Therapy
One of the latest advancements in cancer treatment is Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell Therapy. This therapy involves collecting a patient’s T-cells, modifying them in a lab to fight cancer, and reinfusing them into the body to combat the disease. This cutting-edge approach has shown promise in treating some cancers that are difficult to manage with conventional therapies.
What are some true facts about cancer?
Let’s clear up a few cancer-related myths:
- Myth: Cancer is contagious.
Fact: Cancer cannot spread from person to person except in rare cases through tissue or organ transplantation without proper screening. - Myth: Using mobile phones causes cancer.
Fact: No scientific evidence supports a link between mobile phone radiation and cancer. - Myth: Antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer.
Fact: There is no evidence linking antiperspirants or deodorants to breast cancer.
Together, let’s create a cancer-free world!
Cancer is a complex disease, but awareness, early detection, and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. By educating ourselves, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions about our health. Share this knowledge with your family and friends and help break the stigma around cancer. Together, we can work towards a future where cancer is no longer a leading cause of death.
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any questions on cancer or related symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.
