Cancer: Take a Closer look !
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.”
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