February 4th is known as world cancer day whose purpose is to raise awareness and education about cancer and press governments and individuals to take action against the disease.
According to a Global Burden of Disease study, around 10 million people die from cancer every year although one third of the cases are preventable. While the most common form of cancer is lung cancer in people aging 45 and older, it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. It is heavily correlated with tobacco use—which a study from the World Health Organization has it as the single most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for 22% of cancer-related deaths globally.
Today is also all about raising awareness of the lack of resources many people diagnosed with cancer have. A study by the World Health Organization concluded that around 70% of cancer deaths happen in developing countries and about 90% of low- to middle-income countries don’t have access to radiotherapy—an essential tool to treat some forms of cancer. Take time today to spread the word around you, because together we can create a difference. Visit https://www.worldcancerday.org/about-us to learn more about how you can make a difference and commit to fighting cancer together.
And besides looking out for the rest of the world, don’t forget to look out after yourself too!
Other than tobacco use, what increases the risk for cancer?
Constant exposure to carcinogens, such as UV rays and radiation, asbestos and arsenic found in contaminated water
Infection by biological agents such as HPV virus, hepatitis B and C virus
weight problems, unhealthy diets and alcohol abuse
Aside from decreasing exposure and usage of the above risk factors, certain prevention strategies include:
vaccinating against HPV and Hepatitis B virus—which could prevent around 1 million cases annually
attending the doctor regularly for check ups
If you’re unsure about your health habits and believe you could do something to risk your exposure to cancer, don’t hesitate in scheduling a call with GLIM. Not only would we reassess your health habits, we try to gain an understanding of your past decisions and how they could have deterred you from achieving your full health potential.