World Cancer Day 2024: Know Types, Symptoms, Causes And Prevention Measures

Hello readers! On the occasion of World Cancer Day 2024, it is important to spread awareness about the disease and know the cancer prevention measures. Well, Cancer is a deadly disease marked by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells in the body, forming tumours in the breast, lungs, prostate, and many other parts of the body. 

It is observed every year on February 4th to make people aware of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. In 2024, with the theme "Close the Care Gap" this day aims to address disparities in cancer care which exist around the world. Reading the blog will help you know the causes, symptoms, types, and cancer prevention measures.

Key Highlights

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death around the world, accounting for approximately 9.6 million deaths. 

• 5% to 12% of all cancers are caused by genetic mutations that you can't control.

• About 22% of cancer deaths are caused by consuming Tobacco.

• Some common types of cancer are breast, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate cancers.

• The most common cancer treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy are used to treat cancer.

Table Of Contents

1. Understanding Cancer Prevention Measures

2. What Are The 5 Most Common Types Of Cancer? 

3. What Are The Symptoms Of Cancer?

4. What Are The Top 10 Causes Of Cancer?

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

Understanding Cancer Prevention Measures

Cancer occurs when the cells in our body grow continuously in an abnormal manner, forming a lump or mass. It can spread to other parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, causing lumps, bleeding, coughing, weight loss, and changes in bowel movements. But can cancer be prevented? The answer to this question, asked by millions, is rather ambiguous. 

There are over 100 types of cancer that are caused due to factors like smoking, inactive lifestyle, overweight and unhealthy eating habits. Plus, certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites can also contribute to cancer development. While completely preventing cancer is impossible, there are definitely steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. It's estimated that up to 50% of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle choices and proactive measures.

Thus, knowing all the cancer prevention measures is important to keep yourself safe from the deadly disease. Some of the potential cancer prevention strategies are: 

1. Quit Smoking & Tobacco Consumption

Smoking can cause cancer in various parts of our body like the lungs, mouth, throat, voice box, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. Actually, cigarette smoke contains over 70 known carcinogens that can cause cancer. These chemicals damage the cell's DNA or cause mutations in the cells. 

Tobacco can even change how our genes work, further promoting tumour growth. So, it's important to stay away from smoking and limit our tobacco consumption to reduce the risk of developing cancer. You can also go for lung detox as a treatment method to prevent the onset of cancer. 

2. Focus On Weight Reduction

Do you know that obesity not only contributes to diabetes but can be one of the major factors of cancer? Obesity contributes to the cancer of breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, ovaries, prostate, oesophagus, and liver. Obesity also increases the risk of leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of 

the gallbladder. 

Therefore, we must understand the urgency of weight management and start following the practices to get a healthy and disease-free lifestyle. To get this, you should exercise and eat healthy foods.

Also Read: 7 Healthy And Effective Weight Loss Strategies

3. Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is caused by too much sun exposure. Indoor tanning is also a concern, as it has been labelled carcinogenic to humans and increases the risk of melanoma by 20%, with a 90% increase in risk when use begins before age 35. 

To prevent skin cancer, limit sun exposure during peak burning hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen. Additionally, it's important to teach children about sun protection and set a good example for them.

Also Read: Mushroom Coffee For Cancer Prevention: Reducing Risk

4. Eat A Healthy Diet

Eating healthy foods is crucial for our body as it provides us with essential nutrients that are necessary for our overall development. Not only this, but these can also play a vital role in reducing the growth of cancerous cells.

To lower the risk of cancer, one should limit their calorie intake, eat mostly plants, and reduce the consumption of animal products, sodium, and calcium. Anti-cancerous foods like spinach, berries, citrus fruits, etc should be part of the diet. Taking a daily multivitamin that includes folate can provide additional protection against colon and breast cancer. 

What Are The 5 Most Common Types Of Cancer?

The common cancer types include the following:

1. Breast Cancer 

It is one of the major types of cancer that resulted in around 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, according to the reports of the World Health Organization. It occurs due to the abnormal and continuous growth of the breast cells that results in tumours inside the milk ducts and/or the breast's milk-producing lobules, and if left unchecked, it can spread throughout the body and become fatal.

You can check the presence of breast cancer by observing the following symptoms: 

• Change in breast shape, size, or appearance. 

• A thickening around the breast, often without pain 

• Formation of breast lump. 

• Change in the appearance of the skin surrounding the nipple.

2. Skin Cancer

There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The main reason for skin cancer is exposure to UV rays or sun. To protect yourself, just avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Moreover, regularly checking your skin for unusual changes is a plus point that helps detect cancer early. 

3. Lung Cancer 

Lung cancer is a serious health problem when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs. Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing that persists, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include coughing blood, fatigue, and recurring lung infections. 

It is important to seek medical attention early to prevent serious health problems. This is because the treatment options depend on the stage of the disease and the individual's medical history. Early symptoms may be mild and can be easily ignored, which can lead to delayed diagnosis

Also Read: 5 Herbal Teas For Respiratory Health: Clear Your Lungs Naturally 

4. Cervical Cancer

It is the most common cancer affecting women's cervix. It is caused by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can be contracted through sexual contact. While most HPV infections resolve on their own without symptoms, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer. 

However, cervical cancer is preventable through primary prevention approaches like HPV vaccination and secondary prevention approaches like screening for and treating precancerous lesions. If detected at an early stage, cervical cancer is highly treatable. Some of the cervical cancer prevention measures include quitting smoking and getting an HPV vaccine dose.

5. Prostate Cancer 

Prostate gland produces seminal fluid, which is necessary for the nourishment and transportation of sperm. Sometimes, factors like ageing or abnormal changes in the cells of the testicles may result in prostate enlargement, leading to cancer. While some prostate cancers grow slowly and stay confined to the gland, others can be aggressive and spread quickly. 

It is good to detect it very early for successful treatment. Plus, adopting healthy habits like exercising and eating a nutritious diet are included in cancer prevention measures. Also, avoiding anti-inflammatory foods, processed foods, sugary foods, and oily foods is necessary.

Also Read: How To Make Health And Fitness A Lifestyle? 

What Are The Symptoms Of Cancer?

Cancer can affect any part of the body, so the symptoms depend on the affected body part. Some of the most common symptoms of cancer are:

• Fatigue

• Lump formation or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Persistent cough or trouble breathing

• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness

• Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating

• Muscle or joint pain

• Fevers or night sweats

• Unexplained bleeding or bruising

What Are The Top 10 Causes Of Cancer?

After understanding the cancer prevention measures, let us focus on the various factors that contribute to its development. The top 10 causes of cancer include

The Final Say

Cancer is a deadly disease and causes around 9.6 million deaths globally. There are various types of cancer-causing damage to different body organs like the breast, lung, cervix, prostate and skin. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different types of cancer, their causes, symptoms, and cancer prevention measures. Early detection and treatment are essential in improving the chances of survival and managing the disease.

It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as focusing on weight management, eating a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and getting regular medical check-ups. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to reduce them, we can help prevent cancer and improve our and our communities' overall health and well-being.

FAQs

1. What are skin cancer prevention measures?

Some of the best ways to prevent skin cancer are:

• Use high-SPF sunscreen regularly.

• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

• Limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Use sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

• Stay hydrated for skin health.

  
  

2. How to prevent breast cancer?

You can follow the following breast cancer prevention measures:

• Regular mammograms for early detection.

• Limiting alcohol intake.

• Maintaining a healthy weight.

• Avoid hormone replacement therapy.

  
  

3. What are the five ways to prevent lung cancer?

Five lung cancer prevention measures are:

• Avoid tobacco products, including smoking and secondhand smoke.

• Test homes for radon and mitigate if levels are high.

• Protect against workplace carcinogens, such as asbestos and industrial chemicals.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle routine

• Avoid air-polluted areas.

4. Can cervical cancer be prevented?

Yes, following good habits and switching to a healthy lifestyle can help reduce cervical cancer risk. Some more cervical cancer prevention measures are:

• Receive regular Pap smears for early detection.

• Get the HPV vaccine.

• Quit smoking, as it is linked to an increased risk.

5. What are the ways to stop the growth of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer prevention measures include the following

• Screen regularly with PSA tests.

• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.

• Limit high-fat food intake.

• Stay informed about prostate cancer risks.

• Consider active surveillance for low-risk cases.

References

• Cancer

• Breast cancer 

• Preventing Cancer

• Lung cancer  

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