Cancer: Take a Closer look !
By Dr. Piyusha Kulshrestha Dr. R K Choudhary in Cancer
Feb 4, 2017
World Cancer Day was initiated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008.This international event stresses upon raising awareness about cancer and encouraging its prevention, early detection and treatment.
Why World Cancer Day is important?
Presently, cancer causes 8.2 million deaths worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years). Moreover, the disease has many misconceptions, social myths and taboos surrounding it.
World Cancer Day is the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of cancer and spread the right information including its symptoms, causing factors, treatment, and etc.
What is cancer?
Cancer, also known as malignancy, refers to uncontrolled growth of cells. Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. There are more than 100 types of cancer, the most common ones being:
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lymphoma
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer. The common signs and symptoms include
- Lump or swelling
- A wound that doesn’t heal
- Recent change in a mole
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Change in bladder or bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
What are the risk factors?
- Age
- Family history
- Exposure to chemicals or other substances
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Consumption of alcohol
- Unhealthy lifestyle including unhealthy diet and physical inactivity
- Radiations
What are the treatments available for cancer?
Forty percent of cancers can be prevented, and one-third can be cured when diagnosed and treated at an advanced stage. The treatments available for cancer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery
Common Myths about Cancer
- Cancer is a death sentence
- Eating sugar can worsen cancer
- Artificial sweeteners can cause cancer
- Cancer is contagious
- Exposure to air worsens cancer
- Power lines can emit cancer
- Herbal products can cure cancer
- Use of antiperspirants or deodorants can cause breast cancer
- Use of hair dye can cause cancer
World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do to make a difference to the fight against cancer. Realize and exercise your power to take different actions so as to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities.
Dr. R K Choudhary, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute says, “Cancer is curable if diagnosed and treated in early stage. Today is world cancer day, this is an opportunity to spread the awareness among the people to adopt a healthy life style, avoid smoking, maintain healthy weight and be aware about the early symptoms of cancer and to consult specialist as and when they notice any such symptoms.
Treatment of cancer in early stage is less costly and gives good result; on the other hand treatment of advanced stage is costly in results is not that good”.
Dr. Piyusha Kulshrestha, Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute says, “On the occasion of world cancer day, I want to convey my message to all cancer patients that don’t hide, let’s fight with this dragon of cancer. This is the only way to win. To the normal population, I want to say that celebrate this day as cancer screening and cancer prevention day. Don’t delay, as early detection is the way to cure cancer. We are always there whole heartedly for you in this fight against cancer.”
