04/02/2021
Today is World Cancer Day - A day to raise awareness about cancer and encourage PREVENTION, DETECTION, and TREATMENT. The more we know, the better equipped we’ll be to prevent the formation of cancer, and if not prevent, at least detect it early enough to allow for effective treatment.
Around 1/3 of cancer cases could be prevented by reducing behavioral and dietary risks which include:
- Limiting Alcohol - Alcohol intake is linked with 6 different types of cancer including breast and colorectal.
- Being overweight or obese - linked with 12 different types of cancer
- Diet and Nutrition - diets high in red and processed meats and/or low in fruits and vegetables are linked with at least 3 different types of cancer including colorectal cancer.
- Physical Activity - not only helps keep body weight in the normal range but also linked with at least 3 different types of cancer including breast cancer.
- To***co - linked with 22% of cancer deaths
- Ionizing Radiation - this includes exposure to manmade forms of radiation such as Radon and X-Rays, as well as ultra violet rays from the sun and tanning beds which increase risk for skin cancer.
- Workplace Hazards - such as asbestos which increases risk of mesothelioma, and other known carcinogenic compounds.
- Infection - certain viruses such as HPV which can lead to cervical cancer, as well as Hepatitis B and C which are linked with liver cancer and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
To learn more about World Cancer Day and everything you need to know about prevention, early detection, and treatment, visit here:
Cancer is a disease which occurs when changes in a group of normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth forming a lump called a tumour; this is true of all cancers except leukaemia (cancer of the blood).