World Cancer Day 2024: Uniting For A Healthier Future Through Awareness And Action

Cancer prevention is an ongoing process, and by making healthy choices and staying informed, you can take an active role in reducing your cancer risk

World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4th annually to raise cancer awareness and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. It is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. The Theme of World Cancer Day for the years 2025-2027 is “United by Unique” which means to keep people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of conversation.

World Cancer Day aims to save millions of lives each year by raising awareness and educating people about the different types of cancer, their risk factors, and the importance of early detection. It encourages healthy lifestyles, such as avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated against cancer-causing viruses. It advocates for equitable access to cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care for all people, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. It highlights the importance of research in understanding cancer, developing new treatments, and improving patient outcomes. World Cancer Day is a call to action for everyone to play their part in the fight against cancer. By working together, we can reduce the global cancer burden and save lives.

Cancer is a significant and growing health concern in India. In 2022, there were an estimated 1.46 million new cancer cases in India. It is estimated that 1 in 9 Indians are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Cancer cases are projected to increase by 12.8% by 2025. Lung cancer is the most common cancer among males in India and Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in India. Among children (0-14 years), lymphoid leukaemia is the most common type of cancer. A significant challenge is the late-stage detection of cancer in many patients, often due to a lack of awareness and limited access to screening programs. This late detection makes treatment more difficult and reduces the chances of successful outcomes. The Indian government and various organizations are working to raise awareness about cancer, promote early detection, and improve access to cancer care. Initiatives like the National Cancer Registry Programme collect data on cancer incidence and trends to inform prevention and control efforts.

The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is also experiencing a significant rise in cancer cases. Recent data indicates a concerning trend, with a substantial increase in cancer incidence over the past few years. Over the past six years, close to 80,000 cancer cases have been recorded in Jammu and Kashmir. Lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and leukaemia are among the most prevalent cancers in the region. Accurately assessing the total number of cancer cases is challenging due to factors such as duplicated records and patients seeking treatment at multiple facilities. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and the consumption of chemical-infested food items are some potential factors contributing to the rising cancer incidence.

The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS) are two major hospitals in our UT that have recorded many cancer cases. Lung cancer is particularly prevalent among males in the Kashmir valley. Breast cancer is a significant concern among women in Jammu and Kashmir.

Cancer is a complex disease with a wide range of symptoms, and the specific symptoms a person experiences can vary depending on the type of cancer, its location, and how advanced it is. However, there are some general signs and symptoms that can be associated with cancer. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s crucial to see a doctor for proper diagnosis if you experience any of these changes. Some common general symptoms of cancer are:

1. Feeling unusually tired or exhausted, even after rest.
2. Unexplained changes in weight, losing or gaining 10 pounds or more without trying.
3. Persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency.
4. Pain or burning during urination, blood in urine, or changes in frequency.
5. New moles, changes in existing moles, sores that don’t heal, or yellowing of the skin.
6. Any unusual lumps or thickening in the breast, testicles, or other parts of the body.
7. A cough that doesn’t go away or a change in voice.
8. Trouble swallowing or a feeling of fullness in the throat.
9. Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating.
10. Pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse, especially if it’s in a specific area.
11. Bleeding or bruising more easily than usual.
12. Excessive sweating at night.
13. Fever that doesn’t go away or keeps returning.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful cancer outcomes.

Cancer prevention is a proactive approach to reducing your risk of developing cancer. While there’s no guaranteed way to completely eliminate the risk, adopting healthy habits and making informed choices can significantly lower your chances of getting cancer. Some key strategies for cancer prevention are:

1. Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Smoking is a major risk factor for various cancers, including lung, larynx, oesophagus, bladder, and kidney cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your cancer risk.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial, and kidney cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help lower your risk.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. Limit processed meats, red meat, and sugary drinks. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
5. Be physically active. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of several cancers, including colon, breast, and endometrial cancer.
6. Protect yourself from the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours.
7. Get vaccinated. Certain vaccines can help prevent specific types of cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of liver cancer, and the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical, anal, and other cancers.
8. Get regular screenings. Regular cancer screenings can help detect cancer early when it’s more treatable. Talk to your doctor about recommended screening tests based on your age, gender, and risk factors.
9. Know your family history. If you have a family history of cancer, you may be at a higher risk. Discuss your family history with your doctor and consider genetic testing if appropriate.
10. Avoid exposure to carcinogens. Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer. Limit exposure to known carcinogens, such as asbestos, radon, and certain chemicals.
11. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Overall healthy lifestyle choices, including stress management and adequate sleep, can contribute to cancer prevention.

Remember that cancer prevention is an ongoing process. By making healthy choices and staying informed, you can take an active role in reducing your cancer risk.

The writer is a teacher

Kousar Ahmed Rather

ko************@***il.com