February 4th, World Cancer Day, is an important date in the calendar for all those affected by cancer. This day has been celebrated since 2000 and is an international initiative to raise awareness of cancer, encourage its prevention, and support its treatment.
World Cancer Day reminds us that we can play a role in our health, knowing how to prevent or detect this disease at the early stages of development. In addition, there is a severe need for more awareness of self-examination of the body, including breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
Why is cancer awareness among young individuals critical?
Unfortunately, 1 in 3 women will have to face it at least once in their lifetime due to different factors that influence breast health, such as obesity, reproductive patterns, diet, and physical activity. However, early detection might save lives! Breast cancer-related deaths have decreased by 39% in the past 30 years. This decrease is due to more knowledge, early detection, and treatment.
February 4th is World Cancer Day is an opportunity for awareness on how to prevent cancer or detect it at an early stage, when it is easier to treat. It focuses on increasing people’s understanding of what causes cancer and avoids the risk. By knowing how to prevent and detect cancer, we can help improve the lives of those with this disease and reduce deaths caused by it around the world.
To understand what causes cancer, we must know that not all cancers are hereditary. Some people think that if a relative has had cancer before them, they will get it too. However, cancer can be caused by many things, for example, tobacco smoke, infections, radiation, chronic inflammation, bad habits, and prolonged exposure to harmful chemical substances.
If you’ve done everything possible but still find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having this disease or knowing someone ill with it, do not panic! Advanced treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can improve the prognosis. Cancer is not a death sentence; many cancers are curable! If they discover it early enough, anyone can beat it.
Importance of self-examination:
Half the cancer battle is won if individuals are aware of self-examination. The importance of self-awareness and family and friends to encourage self-examination cannot be overemphasized. When we feel something is wrong, we must go to the doctor and check it out! Do not ignore anything that seems unusual in your body; pink lumps or changes in shape, size, itchiness in the skin, dimples in the breast area are some.
The best way to prevent cancer is through a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption or at least reduce them as much as possible, take a balanced diet with plant-derived foods and low in red meats, and exercise regularly. Maintaining a body weight appropriate to your height will also help avoid obesity, a risk factor for several cancers.
Remember that cancer is not a death sentence; the earlier it’s detected, the more chances you have of beating it. What can be done? Self-examination! If you notice anything unusual about your body, do not wait; consult a doctor and remember to check your family history for any incidence of cancer.
This World Cancer Day, remember that you can do your part in preventing cancer by knowing how to protect your body and detect the disease early. Also, be aware of what contributes to this disease, such as obesity, reproductive patterns, diet, physical activity, and other factors.
Wrapping up!
February 4th is World Cancer Day. It’s an important day to stop by and focus on self-examination. There is nothing wrong with consulting a doctor if you feel you have to. That earlier you self-examine, the faster you can come out of it smiling 🙂
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