World cancer day 2020
Theme:I AM & I WILL
Authored by Dr S Rajasundaram, Director – Institute of oncology, Gleneagels Global Health City
Key cancer Facts:
•9.6 million People die from cancer every year.
•At least one third of common cancers are preventable.
•Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.
•70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.
•Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection and treatment
Causes of cancer
One third of the cancers can be prevented by reducing behavioural and dietary risks.
Modifiable risk factors include:
•Alcohol
•Being overweight or obese
•Diet and nutrition
•Physical activity
•Tobacco – Tobacco smoke contains at least 80 different cancer-causing substances & leads to mouth & lung cancer mostly. Currently tobacco use is responsible for around 22% of cancer deaths.
•Infection – Infectious agents are responsible for around 2.2 million cancer deaths annually. Around 70% of cervical cancers are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) while liver cancer and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can be caused by the Hepatitis B and C virus and lymphomas are linked to the Epstein-Barr virus
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
•Age
•Hereditary – Accounts for around 5 to 10 % of cancers only
•Weakened immune system
Cancer prevention Tips:
1. Don't use tobacco
2. Eat a healthy diet
•Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
•Avoid obesity
•If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
•Limit processed meats
3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active
•As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine
4. Avoid over exposure to the sun
5. Get vaccinated:
•Hepatitis B
•Human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls at ages 11 and 12.
7. Get regular medical care
Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.
The Growing problem of Breast Cancer in India:
•As of 2017, breast cancer prevalence rate has increased to 25.8 women per 100000 women in India
•With around 3,50,000 women suffering from breast cancer, It is now the no.1 cancer in Indian women
•Only 5% of breast cancers are hereditary
•In India, breast cancer occurs atleast a decade earlier than the western world
•Almost 45-50 % of patients in India present in the advanced stages (Stage 3 and 4)
•All women above 40 years of age should undergo annual screening with a Full Field Digital Mammogram
•Early detection can not only improve the outcome but can drastically reduce the costs of treatment.
