National Cancer Awareness Day
"Fight cancer in all colors"
History And Significance Of National Cancer Awareness Day
National cancer awareness day was first initiated in 2014 by Dr. harsh vardhan, the union minister of health and family welfare in India. It is celebrated on November 7th of every year, which is the birthday of the world-famous women scientist marie curie, known for her work in radiotherapy (later used to treat cancer). The aim of this day is to create awareness about the severity of cancers, their symptoms, and the importance of prevention and treatment methods for cancer.
Understanding The Key And Basics Of Cancer
Cancer can be formed by an uncontrollable growth of the cells, which can be spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, Our body's usual system can go wrong, causing abnormal cells to grow and make lumps called tumors. These tumors can be either cancerous or not cancerous (benign). When these cancer cells spread from one place (primary cancer cell) to another place (secondary cancer cell), it is known as metastasis, this leads to the next stage of a malignant tumor.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), 19.3 million cancer cases were reported in 2020 and India ranked third place in cancer cases all around the world. It is also predicted that there will be a rise in cancer cases up to 57.5% in the year 2040, and the number of cancer cases will be 2.08 million in India. We are in a situation to prevent our country from this deadly disease before it becomes too late. The only way to protect our fellow Indians from this monster is to spread awareness and insist on the importance of prevention and early diagnosis to everyone. Before that, first we need to educate ourselves with a brief knowledge about cancer by reading this blog.
Common Types Of Cancer
Based on the place of origin, cancer can be categorized into different types. Some of the common types of cancer are given below:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Non-hodgkin lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancer
5 Most Prevalent Cancer In India
The five most common cancer which affect the India peoples are listed below:
- Lung cancer
- Oral cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
Top 12 Causes Of Cancer
Cancer can be caused by different factors. Some of the factors which are involved in the growth of cancer are given below:
- Age: The chances of getting cancer increases with age. Old age people who are 65 years and above are at great risk of getting cancer.
- Family history: Family history acts as a risk factor in developing genetic cancer.
- Smoking and using tobacco: One of the most common risk factors for most cancer cases is smoking and using tobacco, which leads to mouth, lungs, stomach, liver, and colon cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: A habit of heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk of developing various cancers like oral cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer.
- Viral infections: Viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), epstein barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C viruses may lead to cancer.
- Unprotected long-term UV exposure: Exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays (sunlight) or artificial UV light from tanning beds can also raise the risk of developing cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Excessive radiation exposure leads to increased cancer risk.
- Poor diet: An unhealthy diet containing an excess of sugars, unhealthy fats, and spicy and smoked foods may also increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Cancer may be caused by lifestyle factors, such as inadequate physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle.
- Hormone replacement therapy: An hormonal replacement therapy may act as a cancer causing risk factor.
- Obesity: People who are overweight or obese may have an increased risk of developing cancer.
- Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, like radon, asbestos, etc., can increase the risk of cancer.
Watch Out For These Common Symptoms Of Cancer!
There are various persistent symptoms that are not to be ignored as they might indicate cancer. Being aware of the symptoms of cancer helps in getting it diagnosed and treated early. The following are some common symptoms of cancer.
- Sudden, unexpected, and unexplained weight loss or gain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent coughing or hoarseness
- Severe headaches
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Extreme fatigue
- Changing of skin like yellowing, redness, or darkening
- Formation of sores that don't heal
- Changes in an existing mole
- Blood in stools
- Persistent heartburn or indigestion
- Change in urine or stool routine
- A lump in the breast
- Thickening or skin changes in the breast
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Persistent fever
- Night sweats
Ways To Prevent Cancer
- Avoid tobacco: Say no to smoking or chewing tobacco to protect yourself from cancer.
- Diet: Opt for a nutritious diet to lower the risk of developing cancer.
- Regular physical activity: Make regular physical activity a part of your routine to keep your mind and body healthy.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and protect your skin from the UV rays.
- Routine Health Check-ups: Plan routine health check-ups and screening (CT, MRI scan, mammogram) to detect the cancer in the early stage.
Know About The Treatment Option Of Cancer
Cancer can be easily treated if it is diagnosed early. Your doctor or oncologist will give you an appropriate treatment based on your health condition and the severity of the disease. Some of the cancer treatments are given below:
- Surgery: A Doctor or surgeon will remove the cancer tissue.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs will be administered to shrink or kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Using radioactive energy to kill cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: The growth of cancer cells is inhibited by blocking the hormone involved in its growth.
- Immunotherapy: Boosting your immune system by using immunotherapy drugs to fight against the cancer cell.
Advanced Cancer Treatment
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy: It is an advanced therapy to treat cancer by using our own T-cells. The T-cells that are collected from the individuals are re-engineering in the laboratory to produce certain proteins (chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs). This lab proceeds T-cells are again reinfused back and used to kill the cancer cells in the patients.
Myths And Facts About Cancer
Myth: Cancer is contagious.
Fact: No, cancer is not a contagious disease. It can only be spread if an organ or tissue transplantation is done without the screening procedure.
Myth: Using mobile phones can cause cancer.
Fact: No, there is no such evidence for the cause of cancer by the use of mobile phones or its radiation.
Myth: Using antiperspirants or deodorants can causes breast cancer
Fact: No, there are no studies or evidence that confirm the link between the chemicals in the antiperspirants or deodorants and cancer.
Final Notes!
I hope everyone who reads this blog will know about the seriousness of cancer. We can control and stop the spread of cancer in each cell and in every person around us by following the ways which were mentioned in this blog. Let's break the stigma of cancer and give our generation a cancer free world.
“Cancer is a marathon – you can't look at the finish line. You take it moment by moment, sometimes breath by breath, other times step by step.”
