To raise awareness about cancer and to encourage people to prevent, detect and treat, world cancer day is celebrated annually on February 4th. According to the World Health Organization, one-third of the approximately 10 million deaths every year resulting from cancer could be prevented as it results from self-caused harm due to tobacco or alcohol use, lack of physical activity, and intake of healthy products like fruits and vegetables. Currently, between 30% and 50% of cancer can be prevented by avoiding risk factors including smoking, working out, getting necessary vaccinations, or reducing exposure to pollution.
The most diagnosed type of cancer in 2020 was with 2.26 million cases of breast cancer and the deadliest one with 1.8 million deaths lung cancer. Around 30% of cancer cases in less economically developed countries occur through infections like hepatitis. Cancer once again shows the inequality in our world: Treatment is available in more than 90% of well-developed countries but only less than 15% in less developed countries. This is a huge difference! In the second one, late prevention and treatment are very usual and lead to more death that could have been avoided.
Next to the high number of infections and deaths every year, cancer also has an immense economic impact. In 2010 it was estimated that the yearly costs of cancer are 1.16 trillion USD.
As an individual, take good care of yourself and use your privilege of regular doctor check-ups to prevent cancer diseases before they occur, and encourage your friends and family members to do the same. Let’s fight this fight together!
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