Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death in most countries. Various types of cancers account for about 10% of deaths in India. The reasons for this are mainly lack of awareness, stigma associated with cancer, lack of access to proper healthcare facilities, and financial constraints.
The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day is “Close the Care Gap”. Notably, a significant number of cancers have become curable now, thanks to continuous advances in the field of medicine. However, we should also strive to make this world cancer-free and the time is to act now. We all have a role to play, especially in increasing the awareness regarding:
– Preventive measures to be taken to avoid getting cancer
– Regular Screening for cancer
– Early recognition of symptoms of cancer is crucial and
– Timely reporting to the nearest cancer specialists
Early diagnosis and management are the keys to successful treatment and cure of cancer. However, prevention is the best way to curb the incidence of cancer. A healthy diet, active lifestyle with regular and consistent physical activity, maintaining an ideal body weight, avoiding all forms of tobacco and good sleep can significantly reduce the risk of developing various types of cancers.
Additionally, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and advocating for its complete avoidance is paramount, as tobacco use is linked to about 40% of cancers diagnosed and also responsible for 25% cancer deaths globally.
It is also important to follow recommendations for cancer screening tests, as per the age. Screening tests help detect cancer in people with no symptoms. In addition, regular screening offers the best chance of early cancer identification when it is still in its nascent stage and before it has spread, which has the highest chances of cure. Therefore, initiatives aimed at educating the public about the importance of regular screenings need to be prioritized.
Recognizing the symptoms of cancer is equally vital. Recognition of the symptoms as they arise and reporting them to the concerned specialist at the earliest lead to swift diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
Each one of us has a responsibility to reduce the care gap in cancer, by modifying individual lifestyle choices, and active community engagement. By prioritizing awareness, preventive measures, regular screenings, early recognition, and timely reporting along with advocating for accessible healthcare facilities, we can collectively work towards a world where cancer is not just treatable but preventable, ultimately striving for a future free from the burden of this devastating disease.
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