This World Cancer Day, Here's a 4-Point Guide

Cancer is a term for a group of diseases where your body’s cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably in any organ or tissue. They can spread to any part of your body and cause severe consequences. In 2020, cancer was the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Stomach, lung, colon, prostate, skin, and breast cancers were the most common types of cancer that affected the world population [1]. World Cancer Day is celebrated as an international awareness day led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise worldwide attention and inspire action for a cancer-free future.

Around 30% - 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by making lifestyle changes or avoiding risk factors [2]. Some cancer treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapies, surgery, and radiotherapies [3]. World Cancer Day raises awareness to prevent and treat the disease better. Read on to know more about cancer and the importance of International Cancer Day.

Early Signs of Cancer you Should Watch out for

Below are some symptoms of cancer that you should look out for:

• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Indigestion
• Persistent cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Nausea
• Oral changes
• Chronic pain
• Bloating
• Breast changes
• Frequent headaches
• Persistent infections
• Stomach pain
• Sweating at night
• Bruising or bleeding
• Bowel or bladder changes
• Swallowing difficulties
• Extreme joint or muscle pain
• Unexplained or persistent fevers
• Pelvic pain or abnormal periods
• Changes in bathroom habits
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Unexpected changes in weight
• Unusual lumps or thickening under the skin
• Skin changes – Darkening, yellowing, redness, or sores that won’t heal

Types of Cancer 

There are over 100 types of cancer. These are known for the organs and tissues they form. Here are some categories of cancers:

Sarcoma

These cancers form in bone and soft tissues. They include blood vessels, lymph vessels, fat, muscle, and fibrous tissue. Osteosarcoma is a common type of bone cancer. Kaposi sarcoma and liposarcoma are some types of soft tissue sarcoma.

Carcinoma

These common types of cancer are formed by epithelial cells. Epithelial cells cover the inner and outer surfaces of the body. Adenocarcinoma, Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cell carcinoma are some types of cancer caused by epithelial cells.

Leukemia

Leukemia originates in the bone marrow. These cancers occur when abnormal white blood cells build up in the bone marrow and the blood. The excess of abnormal white cells as compared to normal blood cells makes it difficult for your body to receive enough oxygen for normal function. Acute, chronic, lymphoblastic, myeloid are four common types of leukemia.

Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two main types of lymphoma. Lymphoma forms from B cells or T cells – lymphocytes. When abnormal lymphocytes form in lymph nodes or lymph vessels, it can lead to lymphoma.

Melanoma

Melanoma usually forms on the skin. It can also occur in pigmented tissues including the eye. The disease occurs in cells that become melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. 

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is also known as Kahler disease or plasma cell myeloma. It occurs when abnormal plasma cells grow in the bone marrow forming tumors throughout the body. Plasma cells are types of cells in your immune system.

Brain and spinal cord tumors

There are many brain and spinal cord tumors. As with other types of cancer, the names are determined depending on where the tumor initially formed and the type of cell in which it developed. Tumors of the brain can either be benign or malignant.

Top Cancer Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit consumption of alcohol
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
• Follow a healthy diet plan with fruits and vegetables
• Stay physically active and exercise daily
• Stay away from radiation exposure
• Practice safe sex
• Seek preventive care
• Protect yourself from air pollution and indoor smoke
• Prevent exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• Take measures to prevent or treat certain chronic infections
• Get vaccinations

When is World Cancer Day 2022?

International Cancer Day is observed every year on 4th February. The event unites the world to fight against the life-threatening disease. World Cancer Day creates cancer awareness, educates, and encourages people and governments to act against the disease. The day aims at preventing millions of deaths due to this deadly illness.

World Cancer Day gives you an opportunity to be aware of this life-threatening condition. Take cancer prevention measures to protect yourself from the disease. On noticing a symptom, your first step should be to consult a physician as soon as possible. You can book an online doctor consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. Get in touch with the best doctors from the comfort of home. You can also book lab tests including cancer tests such as tumor panels and prostate tests.