It’s World Cancer day, what is it all about?
World Cancer Day is the initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. It takes place every year on 4 February.
The THEME of this year’s Cancer Day is: We Can. I Can
Taking place under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’, World Cancer Day explores how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.
Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways, all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities.
World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.
The aims of organizing World Cancer Day is to reduce the rate of deaths that occur each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
With the rapid rate at which cancers are developing, almost everyone knows what cancer is. But in case you are still wondering what cancer is, it disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy the normal body tissue.
There are different types of cancer depending on the affected cells/organ but the common ones are:
• Breast cancer (majorly in women and very rare in men)
• Lung cancer (majorly affect active and passive smokers)
• Colon/colorectal cancer( common to people who are obese, hereditary, older people, no/low/high fiber diet)
• Prostate Cancer( middle age/older men)
• Non melanoma skin cancer( usually affect older people/ people with compromised immunity)
• Bladder cancer
• Cervical cancer (women)
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia (cancer of the blood)
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Endometrial cancer
The causes of this disease are yet to be known but there are some factors and lifestyles that put one at risk of developing cancer, such as:
√ Aging
√ Gene (hereditary)
√ Smoking cigarette and Tobacco.
√ Diet and Physical Activity.
√ Over exposure to sun and Other Types of Radiation( such as MRI,XRAY, RADIOTHERAPY, MICROWAVES)
√ Viruses (such as Human Pappiloma Virus) and Other Infections.
√ Poor working environment, for example those working in a mill/ asbestos.
The symptoms/signs of cancer varies according to the part of the body/cell that is being affected. However, there are some common symptoms, such as:
¶ Fatigue/unexplained tiredness
¶ Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin(not necessarily in the breast)
¶ Weight changes (it could be weight gain or loss that was not planned or intended)
¶ Skin changes, e.g yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes in the size/color of existing moles
¶ Changes in bowel or bladder habits (constipation/diarrhea)
¶ Persistent cough or difficulty in breathing
¶ Difficulty/painful swallowing
¶ Hoarseness of voice
¶ Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
¶ Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
¶ Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
¶ Unexplained bleeding or bruising
There are several complications associated with cancer but to mention few;
° Loss of body part
° Metastasis
° Death
As deadly and dangerous Cancer is, it is preventable just by making some lifestyle changes:
√ Quit smoking
√ Maintain a healthy weight/BMI
√ Eat healthy/balanced diet
√ Make exercise an habit
√ Avoid over exposure to sunlight and radiation
√ Get vaccinated
√ Go for regular screening
Treatment of cancer includes: Chemotherapy, pain reliefs, removal of the affected part etc.
Remember, prevention is better than cure! Together we all can war against cancer and have a cancer free world! Tell others about this post and share it.
Your care giver,
