Cancer: Take a Closer look !
By Dr. Piyusha Kulshrestha Dr. R K Choudhary in Cancer
Feb 4, 2017
Cancer: Understanding the Disease and Advancing the Fight
World Cancer Day: Uniting the Global Community in the Fight Against Cancer
World Cancer Day is an international event initiated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. This initiative aims to raise awareness about cancer and encourage its prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.
The Significance of World Cancer Day
Cancer is a major global health concern, causing 8.2 million deaths worldwide every year, with 4 million people dying prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years). Additionally, the disease is often surrounded by misconceptions, social myths, and taboos, making it crucial to address these challenges.
World Cancer Day provides an opportunity to raise the profile of cancer and disseminate accurate information about its symptoms, causal factors, and available treatments.
Understanding Cancer
Cancer, also known as malignancy, refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, with more than 100 types of cancer, including the most common ones:
- Breast cancer
- Skin cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lymphoma
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type, but common signs include:
- Lump or swelling
- Non-healing wounds
- Changes in moles
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Altered bladder or bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
Risk factors for cancer include age, family history, exposure to harmful substances, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity), and radiation exposure.
Available Treatments
Advancements in cancer treatment have made significant strides, with 40% of cancers being preventable and one-third being curable when diagnosed and treated at an early stage. The main treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Surgical interventions
Dispelling Common Myths
Many misconceptions and myths surround cancer, such as it being a death sentence, the impact of diet and lifestyle choices, and the contagious nature of the disease. It is essential to address these myths and provide accurate information to the public.
Experts’ Perspectives
Dr. R.K. Choudhary, a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute, emphasizes that cancer is curable if diagnosed and treated at an early stage. He encourages the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, avoidance of smoking, and timely consultation with specialists upon noticing any concerning symptoms.
Dr. Piyusha Kulshrestha, a Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Metro Hospital & Cancer Institute, encourages cancer patients to be proactive in their fight against the disease and urges the general population to prioritize cancer screening and prevention measures, as early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
By raising awareness, dispelling myths, and promoting preventive measures, World Cancer Day empowers individuals and communities to play an active role in the fight against this formidable disease.
