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World Cancer Day
2012
On the 4th of February each year is dedicated as World Cancer Day.
Cancer
is a leading cause of death globally. To mark World Cancer Day on
February 4, 2012, which is observed on 4 February every year, WHO reminded the world that
cancer is responsible for close to 13 per cent of deaths globally, accounting for 7.6 million deaths in 2008.
The theme of this year's Day is "Together It Is Possible," with WHO and
its partner, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC),
focusing on screening and vaccination. Increased access to cost-effective vaccinations to prevent infections associated with
cancers and cost-effective cancer-screening programmes can help to
reduce the number cancer deaths, the agency stressed.
"On World Cancer Day, we echo the World Health Organization's belief
that we can reduce deaths from noncommunicable diseases, such as cancer,
by 25% by 2025, but this is only possible if we work together to realize
achievable and impactful interventions," said Cary Adams, UICC chief
executive officer, in a statement. "Cancer knows no boundaries, so we
all must take responsibility for beating this devastating disease. Together it is possible."
This year, the main theme is "Cancer can be prevented." The 2012 World
Cancer Day initiative will operate not only to collect monetary pledges,
but also pledges of individual lifestyle changes, and will encourage
participants to commit to making healthy choices.
Vaccination is available against cervical cancer, which is caused by the
human papilloma virus (HPV) and liver cancer, which results from infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV)..
WHO is actively responding to these rising levels of cancer. The low and
middle- income countries bearing the brunt as compared to the industrialized ones. If that’s not all, the burden of cancer is
estimated to double by 2020 and nearly triple by 2030. According to the
forecasted figures for 2030, there are likely to be 20-26 million fresh cancer
diagnoses and 13-17 million cancer related deaths. China, Russia, and India need
to watch out and tackle the growing burden of cancer, attributed mainly to
increase in use of tobacco, fatty diets, adoption of western habits, and demographic changes.
Cancer can be prevented
The theme for World Cancer Day 2010 is "Cancer Can Be Prevented Too"
It is possible to reduce the risks of cancer and move closer to prevention of
the disease. Cancer can be prevented with the following steps:-
• Banish Tobacco - Smoking or consuming tobacco in any form
• Adopt a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Reduce or completely avoid intake of alcohol
• Seek adequate protection against cancer-causing infections
The use of tobacco is linked
Cancer Risk
The use of tobacco is linked with a number of different cancers including lung
cancer. Tobacco also increases the risk of other types of cancers such as cancer
of the pancreas, mouth, throat, cervix, and bladder. Tobacco also triggers other
chronic respiratory diseases as well as cardiac disease. Smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases.
Almost 4000 potentially toxic chemicals found in tobacco are inhaled into the
system due to smoking. The chemicals found in tobacco lower the body’s immunity
to fight infections. Tobacco gradually begins to harm the vital organs in the body, especially the heart and the lungs.
Alcohol and Cancer Risk
The risk of cancer increases with alcohol consumption and the risk increases
commensurately with increase in intake of alcohol. The U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services in its "Report on Carcinogens” has for the first time listed
alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen. Scientists and researchers cannot overlook the strong link between even
reasonable alcohol drinking and an enhanced risk of certain cancers, more so
cancer of the liver and the breast. There is also evidence of cancers of the esophagus, pharynx, and mouth, and colorectal cancers with intake of alcohol.
Diet and Exercise in Cancer Prevention
• Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes
• Avoid food that is heavy on fat and/or sugar
• Limit the intake of alcohol or better completely abstain from it
• Ensure regular physical activity |
World cancer day
is always observed on 4th February.
The risk factors
for cancer are tobacco and alcohol
Oral cancr
India has one of the highest incidence of oral cancer in the world. |
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