Today is World Cancer Day: Prevention is Key

(Patria) - Since 2000, February 4th has been observed as World Cancer Day worldwide.

According to the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica (INZ), the goal of the initiative launched by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is to raise awareness, improve information, and encourage personal, collective, and governmental activities in cancer control worldwide.

United in Universality

This year's World Cancer Day theme is "United in Universality," signifying a crucial shift towards an approach that places people at the center of cancer care. This initiative emphasizes understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities, ensuring that cancer treatment and care are tailored to diverse perspectives and experiences. The aim is to build more inclusive health systems that focus not only on cancer treatment but also on the comprehensive needs of those affected, whether they are patients, caregivers, or the wider community.

World Cancer Day is of essential importance for educating the public about cancer prevention, the significance of early detection, and the availability of effective treatments, while simultaneously advocating for greater access to quality care for all. The World Health Organization (WHO) unfortunately expects the number of deaths to rise to around 30 million cases and 20 million deaths in the coming years if current trends continue, representing an increase of about 50 percent compared to 2020, according to INZ experts.

The most common types of cancer in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer, while in women, the most common are breast cancer, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. The leading causes of death from this group of diseases globally are lung, stomach, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. Approximately 30 percent of all deaths from malignant diseases are due to five main risk factors: tobacco use, being overweight, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Tobacco addiction alone is responsible for one-fifth of all deaths from malignant diseases, as well as over 90 percent of all deaths from lung cancer.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), responsible for coordinating World Cancer Day, released a report in 2020 on its global survey of public awareness of cancer. The data highlighted in this report indicates that people with lower incomes and lower education levels are less likely to recognize cancer risk factors and take steps to reduce their risk compared to people with higher incomes and higher education. In most countries worldwide, tobacco use (63 percent), exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays (54 percent), and exposure to secondhand smoke (50 percent) are the most recognized factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer.

Cancer can be prevented and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. Some specific risk factors for cancer include chronic infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV) – for cervical cancer – hepatitis B or C virus infections – for liver cancer – and Helicobacter pylori infection – for stomach cancer. Considering that prevention and early diagnosis of these forms of cancer are more accessible today than ever before, it is a devastating fact that more and more people are falling ill and dying from cancer.

Prevention Tips

Tips for preventing malignant and chronic non-communicable diseases, according to INZ, include regular preventive check-ups, avoiding foods rich in fats and sugar, as well as salty foods, reducing intake of sugary drinks and fruit juices, drinking sufficient fluids (preferably water, 2 liters daily), trying to eat about five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, quitting smoking and at least reducing alcohol intake, preparing your healthy lunch at home and taking it to school or work.

Your goal should be moderate physical activity 30 minutes five times a week (playing, walking, household chores, dancing – everything counts), reducing a sedentary lifestyle, using stairs, walking or cycling to work, exercising with friends or family – it will be more fun and you will be more motivated, downloading an exercise app or using a pedometer to track progress, but before starting physical activity, consult with your doctor.