Know All About World Cancer Day

Cancer awareness is becoming increasingly important in this century as the incidences of the disease increase every decade. According to reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) there were 8.1 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in 1990, which rose to 10 million in 2000, 12.4 million in 2008, and 19.3 million in 2020. Furthermore, annual deaths due to cancer also increased from 5.2 million in 1990 to 10 million in 2020. WHO estimates that the number of deaths could rise to 16.3 million in the next 20 years at the current trajectory.

 

Why is World Cancer Day Celebrated?

While cancer still remains incurable, we are able to better understand, diagnose, and treat it today as compared to when it was first discovered and diagnosed. Awareness plays a key role in diagnosing cancer; hence, the concept of World Cancer Day was developed. World Cancer Day is an annual observance – held on 4 February each year – that aims to hold events and drives which would raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to inform themselves about how to prevent or detect it. World Cancer Day was first observed in Paris back in 2000. This initiative was taken by the World Summit Against Cancer. The celebration is supervised by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), which is supported by WHO and other international organisations that are dedicated to increasing global cancer awareness. Each year, UICC works on newer themes and releases new publications for the World Cancer campaign. Education activities and public service announcements are made to reach as many people as possible.

 

What is the Theme of World Cancer Day 2022?

The theme of World Cancer Day 2022, a part of a three-year campaign, is ‘Close the Care Gap.’ This year’s theme revolves around increasing the understanding and recognising the inequities that surround cancer care around the world.

 

For the first year, the campaign aims to encourage individuals to have an open mind and to challenge assumptions and perceptions that surround the illness.

 

UICC has also highlighted certain hard facts that individuals need to make themselves aware of:

• Inequity in cancer care costs lives
• People who seek cancer care hit barriers at every turn
• Income, education, location, and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care
• The gaps affect everyone, including you and your loved ones
• These barriers are not set in stone and they can change at any time

 

How can Cancer be Prevented?

It is vital to understand that cancer is not a single disease but a group of related diseases and many factors in our lifestyle also impact the possibility of us getting cancer.

 

Researches have long been trying to find better diagnostic tools and treatment options for cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, scientists are studying ways to prevent cancer, some of these include:

 

Changes in Diet and Lifestyle

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) cancer prevention guidelines recommend maintaining a healthy diet, which includes eating the right food, maintaining an ideal weight, undertaking moderate physical exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption as being beneficial towards the prevention of cancer.

 

Early Detection

This is a key point to be remembered. While lifestyle choices may play a role, cancer is primarily a genetic disease. WHO promotes early detection and diagnosis of cancer because recognising symptoms as early as possible is crucial to the chances of successful treatment. Therefore, regular check-ups are highly encouraged. Speak to your doctor to build a genetic profile that would help you narrow down what signs you should be looking for.

 

Chemoprevention

Chemoprevention is the most common and perhaps the most successful at defeating cancerous cells. Chemoprevention can be used in three ways, depending upon the condition of person. The three types chemoprevention are:

 

1. Primary Prevention: To prevent cancer in a healthy person.

2. Secondary Prevention: To prevent a pre-cancerous area from becoming cancer.

3. Tertiary Prevention: To prevent another cancer in a person who has already had cancer.

 

However, this treatment can be costly depending on how many sessions the doctor recommends for you. During times like these, it helps to have a health insurance plan in place. Many health insurance agencies offer affordable critical illness health insurance plans like Niva Bupa’s Health ReAssure plan that covers pre- and post-hospitalisations, proving to be beneficial in the long term.

 

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of the significance of World Cancer Day, its theme for this year, and the actions you need to take, it is time for you to step up. Keep yourself and your loved ones more informed about this disease. Another great initiative is to join a cancer support community intended for those who need moral, financial or social support while they suffer through and try to fight cancer.

 

Protect yourself and your loved ones, and share this knowledge with the community. Watch out for signs, promote awareness, and make the wise decision of choosing the right health insurance plan this World Cancer Day 2022.