On World Cancer Day, the world celebrates it together because of the awareness that needs to be spread, as there are many individuals affected by cancer across the world. This also reminds that if we focus on life saving methods, like early detection, treatment, and prevention, we can save many lives.
There are many things other than numbers about World Cancer Day. Because, at the end of the day, World Cancer Day is about people, families, and people affected by cancer. It is also about how people can contribute to the fight to end cancer.
What is World Cancer Day?
World Cancer Day is on February 4 and is set by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The goal is to try to increase the reach of awareness and the amount of information that is within the world on cancer and try to reduce the world\’s cancer burden.
In addition to that, World Cancer Day is a way to unite all the nations, health professionals, and individual people, as they all have one aim; to spread awareness that *cancer is preventable and we can fight it together.*
The Importance of World Cancer Day
Cancer is a leading cause of death in many countries. Each year there are millions of new cases worldwide that are often complicated by delayed diagnoses and treatment accessibility.
Every year, on World Cancer Day, there are initiatives to:
- Educate and improve knowledge of cancer worldwide
- Encourage early diagnosis and treatment
- Promote and encourage healthy behaviors
- Advocate for and support active cancer patients and survivors
- Advocate for and drive change for equitable management of cancer
World Cancer Day is a reminder that everyone should have support when facing cancer.
The event was first orgnaized in 2000, when the first World Cancer Summit was held in conjunction with the Charter of Paris Against Cancer. Since, World Cancer Day has turned into a global event with participation from over 100 countries.
World Cancer Day annually selects a new theme to highlight and bring attention to a particular and relevant cancer issue.
Recent examples include:
- \”I Am and I Will\” – Motivating people to take initiative
- \”Close the Care Gap\” – Noting the inequity in the incorporation of cancer care
- \”United by Unique\” – People centered approaches to care
While the individual experiences of every patient diagnosed with cancer are different for a variety of reasons, the care and support needs to be the same for all.
Most Frequently Seen Types of Cancer
Unlike many diseases, cancer can touch every part of the body. Whilst many different types of cancer exist, some types are more prevalent than others.
The most frequently seen types of cancer are:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin Cancer
In spite of how different the types of cancer are, it is critical to note that most cancers are more survivable the earlier they are detected.
Risk factors and Causes of Cancer
Many variables go into cancer manifestation. Some are within our control and some are outside of it.
Some Avoidable Risk Factors
- Tobacco use
- Poor Nutrition
- Not enough exercise
- Over drinking
- Contact with harmful chemicals
- HPV, Hepatitis and other infectio
As seen above, many risk factors are behavior related and can be addressed through some lifestyle changes.
How Cancer can be Prevented
The number of instances of cancer can be reduced through effective preventative measures, and World Cancer Day aims to highlight the importance of measures that can be taken to prevent cancer.
There are very easy ways to lower your risk of developing cancer.
- Stay away from any kind of tobacco products
- Increase the fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Make sure to workout
- Make and keep a healthy weight
- Wear sunscreen and limit the time you are in the sun.
- Get your vaccines for HPV and hepatitis
- Go to the doctor periodically for a check-up
Making any of these changes can lower your risk of cancer.
Why the early detection of cancer is important.
Knowing you have cancer early can keep you alive, and many forms of cancer can be treated and cured if the cancer is found early.
Screening can help find cancer before you notice any symptoms. For example:
- Mammograms for detecting breast cancer
- Pap smears for detecting cervical cancer
- Colonoscopies are for detecting of any cancer in the colon
- CT scans are for detecting lung cancer
World Cancer Day reminds and encourages us to get consulted and screened for any kind of cancer on time.
How to treat cancer
How to treat cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Normally, doctors suggest one or more treatment options.
- Surgery to remove the cancer
- Chemotherapy which is using drugs to treat the cancer
- Radiation therapy which is using radiation to kill the cancer
- Immunotherapy which is giving your body more of its own immune cells to kill the cancer
- Targeted therapy which is using drugs to turn off the growth of cancer cells
Every year the survival rate of people diagnosed with cancer increases due to the work of medical professionals and the work they put into research and developing new ways to help those diagnosed with any kind of cancer.
Helping Survivors and Cancer Patients
The effects of cancer go beyond physical issues. It can have a serious impact on one’s emotional well-being and mental health.
The importance of World Cancer Day includes:
- Community support
- Family involvement
- Mental health assistance
- Emotional support
Simply listening and caring for someone can ease their journey.
How to Participate in World Cancer Day
You can make a difference on World Cancer Day. You don’t have to be a doctor or a scientist to help.
You can:
- Encourage screening for loved ones
- Support cancer charities
- Adopt a healthier lifestyle
- Wear a cancer awareness ribbon
- Share awareness messages on social media
- Volunteer or donate
- Small things can make a big difference.
World Cancer Day’s Impact Around the World
Millions of people participate in World Cancer Day. It helps to start conversations about health and make changes around the world. Countries announce new health measures. Organizations push out new educational material. Communities run events and educational fundraisers.
These actions save lives, reduce stigma, and increase awareness.
The Future of Cancer Care
There is hope in the future of cancer care. More innovative methods of diagnostics and treatment are under constant development. The fundamental aspects of cancer treatment are being influenced by personalized medicine and immunotherapy.
Research and equal access to care the world over is the theme of World Cancer Day.
Conclusion: Together, We Can Beat Cancer
Cancer knows no borders. World Cancer Day is also a celebration of the collaborative efforts deployed to nullify the implications of a cancer diagnosis. Advocacy, education, and early screening are complemented by the humanity in actions to enhance lives.
Participating in World Cancer Day is declaring your belief in hope, fortitude, and, most importantly, life. Learn About : International Days on 4 Februar
