IT IS WORLD CANCER DAY
“The bravest thing we can do about cancer is to fight it fiercely and relentlessly” – Axel Kahn
While we’ve had our minds diverted to COVID-19 for nearly twelve months now, it is important to note that cancer is still a critical issue in the global health agenda.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second–leading cause of death worldwide. Reports from the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) show that about 10 million people die from cancer every year, with 70 % of deaths occurring in low–to–middle income countries. Interestingly, at least one-third of cancers are preventable and 3.7 million people could be saved each year if we dedicate ourselves to fighting the scourge.
The fight is for us all to believe, communicate and stand for the appropriate strategies needed for prevention, early detection and treatment. It would take such bravery to prevent about 30 – 50 % of cancers, globally. While factors such as age, genetics, and family history are non–modifiable risk factors of cancer, we can save ourselves and millions of other lives by first reducing behavioral and dietary risks –which are modifiable– and then communicating the same. Such modifiable risk factors of cancer include but are not limited to consumption of all types of alcohol, excessive body weight, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and carelessness to workplace hazards.
Over the years, efforts have been made to fight cancer, but we can do more together. The more we know about cancer, the more lives we can save. More so, we all can work, stand together and speak out. We can get involved and make a difference by moving us to a future where millions of lives are saved from cancer. Avoid the risks and inspire someone to do the same.
Written by Paninga Muliya
