World Cancer Day: A Time to Raise Awareness and Take Action

February 4th marks World Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action to fight against cancer. This year, on 24th edition of World Cancer Day, we reflect on the importance of education, prevention, earlier detection of cancer and quality of treatment to save more lives and restore the quality of life beyond cancer.

According to WHO, Cancer has accounted for approximately 10 million deaths globally in 2020. This is equivalent to around 26,300 deaths every day due to cancer.

This statistic is enough to indicate the severity and deadliness of this disease.

• The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers.
• Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to
  • tobacco use,
  • high body mass index,
  • alcohol consumption,
  • low fruit and vegetable intake,
  • and lack of physical activity.
• Cancer-causing infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

According to National Cancer Registry Programme, India, In India, the incidence of cancer cases is likely to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025.

While research and medical advancements have made great progress in treating cancer, but the Awareness, education, and the development of preventive measures can help keep people healthy and cancer-free.

While GVG Invivo Hospitals, JP Nagar Focus on the Advanced quality diagnosis and treatment of Cancer, Its charitable wing Human Healing Foundation has embarked on the Awareness and developing measures to prevent the Cancer since 2011.

So, what can we do on World Cancer Day this Year and beyond to promote awareness and take action?

• Together, we’re stronger than cancer!
• Fight cancer with hope and heart!
• Awareness today, a cure tomorrow!
• Cancer can’t silence our courage!
• Paint the world in shades of cancer awareness!
• Let’s unite to fight cancer’s might!
• Join the battle, be the cure!

Know the risk factors for cancer

One of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer is knowledge. Understanding the risk factors for cancer can help you take steps to reduce your risk. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Poor nutrition and lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Sun exposure and UV radiation
• Genetic predisposition
• Poor Oral Hygiene & Dental health
• Improper fitting dentures
• Excessive Contraceptive pills

By educating ourselves on these risk factors, we can make lifestyle changes and take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from cancer.

Participate in cancer screenings

Regular cancer screenings can help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Screenings are especially important for people who are at a higher risk for certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you.

Support cancer research

Advancements in cancer research have made great strides in treating cancer. By donating to cancer research or participating in fundraising events, we can help ensure that progress continues to be made in the fight against cancer.

Spread awareness

Finally, spreading awareness about cancer and its risk factors can help encourage others to make healthy lifestyle choices. By sharing information on social media, participating in cancer walks, or simply talking to friends and family about the importance of prevention, we can help make a difference in the fight against cancer.

On this World Cancer Day, let’s remember that we all have a role to play in creating a world where cancer is preventable and treatable. Awareness, education, and action can help us get one step closer to a cancer-free future.

Some additional ways to take action against cancer include:

Get involved in advocacy efforts

Advocacy can help bring attention to the importance of cancer prevention and treatment. By contacting your elected officials, participating in lobbying efforts, or joining a cancer advocacy group, you can help make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Make healthy lifestyle choices

In addition to knowing the risk factors for cancer, making healthy lifestyle choices can also help reduce your risk. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances like tobacco and UV radiation.

Support those affected by cancer

Cancer can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. By offering support through volunteering, donating to organizations that provide resources for those affected by cancer, or simply being there for someone who is going through treatment, we can all play a role in helping those impacted by this disease.

At GVG Invivo Hospitals under the leadership of Dr Gunasekar Vuppalapati, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, A comprehensive Compassionate Multidisciplinary Onco-plastic Team including Medical, Surgical & Radio Oncologist supported by Reconstructive Plastic surgeons, Cancer care & Breast care Nurses provide a seemless early diagnosis and ensuring that the patient recives the utmost prompt treatment to not only survive the disease but restroe the quality of life beyond the Cancer phase.