Find Out What World Cancer Day is all About

When is World Cancer Day?

World Cancer Day is a global event initiated by the Union for International Cancer Control that occurs annually on the 4th of February to bring individuals worldwide to join the battle against cancer.

The purpose of this day is to spread awareness and knowledge about cancer and to persuade both governments and individuals to take action.

Each year, approximately 8.8 million people tragically die from cancer. Without awareness, this number is expected to reach 13.2 million by 2030. 

The Paris Charter was created at the world summit against cancer for the new millennium to address this issue, ultimately establishing World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, 2000.

“Close the Care Gap”

World Cancer Day is a call to action to recognise cancer as a major global health priority. It seeks to promote awareness and spur efforts to improve access to quality care, screenings, early diagnosis, treatments, and palliative care. Let’s join forces to fight cancer and make a difference!

This year marks the continuation of the world cancer awareness day 2023 theme  “Close the Care Gap” campaign, which is dedicated to identifying the disparities in cancer treatment and taking action to make meaningful reforms.

About Cancer 

Cancer is an umbrella term for disorders in which cells in the body experience unregulated growth. If left untreated, these malignant cells can infiltrate neighbouring tissue or metastasise to other areas of the body, resulting in severe illness, disability and even death.

Causes of Cancer 

Cancer is a complex disease with no single root cause. Many external influences can be responsible for cancer development, such as carcinogens. These carcinogens may include:

• Physical carcinogens, like ultraviolet and ionising radiation, can be hazardous
• Chemicals like asbestos, tobacco, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant) can also be hazardous
• Biological carcinogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites like Hepatitis B, can also cause cancer
• As we age, the risk of developing cancer increases
• The use of tobacco and alcohol, poor diet and lack of physical activity are all significant contributors to an increased risk of cancer

Common Cancer Symptoms in Men and Women

Signs of something unusual to look out for include: 

• A new lump in the breast
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• An unhealing sore
• Any unexpected bleeding or discharge from any opening in your body
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty with swallowing, changes to warts or moles, or persistent cough or hoarseness

Prevention of Cancer

To keep cancer away, you should make sure 

• To incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains into your diet 
• Additionally, staying active through physical activities is a great way to remain healthy 
• Make sure to maintain a healthy weight and avoid becoming overweight 
• Always practise safe sexual habits
• Say no to tobacco – this means avoiding cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B virus
• Keep away from known environmental carcinogens
• Be mindful of any warning signs that might appear

1. Screening Tests for Cancer 

If you come from a line of people with a history of cancer and have smoked or used tobacco extensively, you might be more susceptible to developing it than others. Talk to your doctor to figure out which tests will be most appropriate for detecting cancer in its early stages.

Women over 40 at risk of breast cancer should consider getting a mammogram annually or biennially, while a pap smear can help detect cervical cancer before it develops into stage I.

Getting a physical evaluation is essential; any potential cancers can be identified early. Moreover, a dentist can look for signs of oral cancer during regular examinations, so be sure to visit one regularly.

2. Cancer Vaccination 

It is possible to reduce one’s risk of certain cancers through vaccination significantly. Cervical cancer, for example, can be almost wholly prevented through a vaccine administered at 13 years of age, thus avoiding exposure to the HPV virus, commonly spread through sexual activity. 

Even though there is no specific vaccine for liver cancer, vaccinating yourself against Hepatitis viruses can help reduce your chances of developing it.

3. Healthy Choices 

Approximately one-third of all malignancies may be avoided simply by living healthily or immunising against cancer-inducing pathogens such as Hepatitis B Virus and Human papillomavirus (HPV).

4. Say No to Tobacco

Tobacco use is the primary factor for avoidable cancer cases. Smoking can increase your chances of developing a variety of cancers. If you, or someone close to you, is struggling with a tobacco addiction, you can seek the help of a professional equipped with the resources to help you break the habit.

5. Avoid Alcohol 

The World Health Organization has now made it clear: there is no such thing as safe alcohol consumption regarding health. This statement, published in The Lancet Public Health, is a stark reminder of the potential risks of drinking alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, it’s essential to assess your drinking habits and decide if it’s time to make some changes. It’s critical to take the necessary steps to cut back on alcohol or try to stop altogether. 

Abstinence from alcohol is the safest way to protect your health and reduce your risk for cancer that can arise from long-term alcohol consumption. 

If you have difficulty managing your drinking habits on your own, you must seek help from a healthcare provider. They can provide you with information and resources to better understand your drinking habits and recommend programs and services that can assist you in making healthier choices.

Read more – Most effective ways to Stop alcohol addiction

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet 

It’s no guarantee, but following a nutritious diet can help reduce one’s risk of developing cancer. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting high-calorie foods, and reigning in one’s alcohol consumption could all play a role in decreasing the likelihood of cancers such as those of the liver, breast, colon, lung, and kidney.

Regarding cancer risk, red and processed meats are of particular concern. It includes beef, pork, veal, lamb, bacon, ham, lunch meats, jerky, hot dogs, salami, and other cured meats.

Takeaway Message 

This World Cancer Day, it’s essential to spread awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. 

Let’s use this opportunity to encourage our colleagues and friends to reduce their risk of developing cancer. It can include everything from getting regular check-ups to quitting smoking to eating a healthy diet. 

We can also encourage our loved ones to speak to their doctors about their family history of cancer and to get tested for specific types of cancer when appropriate. Early detection can be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, and each of us can play a role in helping to spread the word. 

On this World Cancer Day, let’s work together to help raise awareness and reduce the burden of cancer in our communities.

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate to our best knowledge; we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before practising any information mentioned.

Reference Link:

• https://www.emro.who.int/noncommunicable-diseases/campaigns/world-cancer-day-2023.html
• https://www.who.int/news/item/03-02-2022-world-cancer-day-closing-the-care-gap
• https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/worldcancerday/index.htm
• https://www.nhp.gov.in/world-cancer-day-_pg