World cancer day 2021: I Am and I Will

What is the need?

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally & about 1 in 6 deaths are due to cancer.

• Globally about 8.8 million people die from cancer each year.
• If left unchecked, the number of deaths will increase to 13.2 million per year by 2030. 
• The five most frequent cancers in India are breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, lung, and colorectal cancer. 
• Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Late-stage presentation and inaccessible diagnosis and treatment are common. 
• More than 90% of high-income countries reported treatment services are available compared to less than 30% of low-income countries.
• The economic impact of cancer is significant and is increasing. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated at approximately US$ 1.16 trillion.

When is it celebrated?

World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4th February to unite the people worldwide in the fight against cancer. 

Its aim is to raise awareness and education about cancer, sensitize governments and individuals across the world to take action.

It was established by the Paris Charter at the World Summit against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris on 4 February 2000.

I Am and I Will

This World Cancer Day, ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign –shows us that our actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighborhoods, communities, and cities. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer. Together, all our actions matter.

What is cancer/ Malignant tumors/ Neoplasms? 

Cancer is a general name for a group of diseases, in which some of the cells within the body due to some reason grow into an uncontrolled fashion. 

Untreated cancers can spread into the surrounding normal tissue, or to other parts of the body, and cause serious illness, disability, and death.

Causes:

Cancer is a multifactorial disease (-there is no single cause for any one type of cancer). Some external agents may act as cancer-causing agents (carcinogens), these are:

• Physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation
• Chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, tobacco, aflatoxin (a food contaminant), and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant)
• Biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites such as Hepatitis B and C virus and Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Aging is another important  factor for the development of cancer
• Tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are major cancer risk factors.

Warning signs:

• new mass or changes in the breast
• A change in bowel or bladder habits
• A sore that does not heal
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Difficulty in swallowing
• An obvious change in wart or mole
• A nagging cough or persistent hoarseness of voice

Preventive measures: 

• Eat a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
• Involve in regular physical activity.
• Avoid overweight/obesity.
• Adopt safe sexual practices.
• Avoid tobacco use including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Get vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B virus
• Avoid/limit exposure to known environmental carcinogens.
• Be aware of warning signs.
• Take regular health checkups and cancer screening.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): 

It was launched in 2010 to prevent and control major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Population-based Screening of common NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers is being initiated under the umbrella of the National Health Mission (NHM).

Points to remember: 

• Everyone can make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of cancer.
•  Diagnosis of cancer at its initial stages and seeking timely care can save lives.
•  People living with cancer and their caregivers can ask for support to help them cope with cancer.
• With the right support, people living with cancer can return to work successfully.

References:

1. https://www.nhp.gov.in/world-cancer-day-_pg
2. http://www.worldcancerday.org/sites/wcd/files/private/130128_Cancer_Backgrounder.pdf
3. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
4. http://cancerindia.org.in/
5. http://cancerindia.org.in/busting-the-myths/
6. https://www.worldcancerday.org/about/2019-2021-world-cancer-day-campaign
7. https://www.uicc.org/events/world-cancer-day-2021
8. https://www.worldcancerday.org/faqs#:~:text=The%202019%2D2021%20World%20Cancer,now%20to%20impact%20the%20future.