World Cancer Day: Awareness Brings Us Closer to a Cure
Cancer is a word that nobody wants to hear, but nearly everyone has been touched by – whether through friends, loved ones, or personal experience. That is why the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has set aside February 4th as World Cancer Day – a day to bring awareness to this terrible disease, and fight for its eradication. Whether its spreading awareness, supporting others, or taking steps towards prevention, each of us has a role to play. This World Cancer Day, let’s work together to make a real difference, one small action at a time.
What is cancer?
Cancer can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. Globally, cancer is the second-leading cause of death, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. According to the World Health Organization, one in six deaths worldwide is due to cancer. Common risk factors include family history, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. Even still, cancer can also develop without a clear cause. While advances in prevention, detection, and treatment have improved survival rates, raising awareness remains critical to combating cancer’s impact.
The Power of Early Detection
Early detection is like finding a small crack in a dam before it bursts. Regular screenings and paying attention to your body are vital. Watch out for unusual lumps, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or changes in your skin. Standard cancer screenings include mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and PSA tests. Remember, detecting cancer early often means simpler treatments and higher survival rates. Motivation Alliance makes it easy to track these screenings in the Preventive Care area. As always, consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.
Little Choices, Big Impact!
Healthy lifestyle choices are the #1 thing you can do to reduce your chances of developing cancer.
- Eat Well – Not only are meals rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains filling – they are a fantastic way to reduce your risk of cancer. Eating nutritious foods helps you maintain a strong immune system and a healthy weight – both of which are protective factors against cancer.
- Movement is Key – Regular exercise like yoga, weightlifting, or even walking keeps your body resilient, and better able to prevent cancer from developing. In particular, exercise alone has been linked to a decreased risk of developing both breast and colon cancer.
- Go Smoke Free – The connection between smoking and cancer has been extensively documented, with numerous studies linking it to an increased risk of developing approximately 15 different types of cancer. If you smoke, quitting is likely the single most impactful choice you can make to reduce your cancer risk.
- Go Alcohol Free – Regular alcohol consumption is the third highest lifestyle related risk factor for cancer after smoking and obesity. While decreasing your alcohol intake is a fantastic way to decrease your cancer risk, quitting entirely is even better.
- Stay Sun Smart – Regular exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun damages your skin cells and increases your risk of skin cancer. Limiting unnecessary sun exposure, along with daily application of sunscreen can make a huge difference in preventing skin cancer.
- Stay Vaccinated – Diseases like HPV and Hepatitis B are lesser known, but still very real risk factors for developing cancer. Fortunately, there are vaccines for both of these viruses – making them an easy way to lower your cancer risk.
Lean on Hope and Support
No one ever wants to hear the words “You have cancer.” If you or someone close to you is diagnosed, it can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone.
- Build a Support Network – Friends, family, and support groups can provide emotional and practical support.
- Stay Informed – Knowledge is power. Understanding your diagnosis and treatment options empowers you to make informed decisions.
- Prioritize Mental Health – Practices like meditation, counseling, or simply taking time for yourself can ease the emotional strain.
World Cancer Day is a reminder that every effort counts, from raising awareness to supporting a loved one. Whether you’re sharing prevention tips, donating to cancer research, or simply checking in on someone battling cancer, you’re making a difference.
This February 4th, let’s come together with hope in our hearts, determination in our actions, and faith that brighter days are ahead. Every step we take brings us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a life-altering word, but a memory of the past.
***********************************************************************
Resources:
AICR. American Institute for Cancer Research. (2024). Cancer and alcohol: Limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk. AICR https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/recommendations/limit-alcohol-consumption/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 31). Vaccines (shots). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/vaccination.html
Fund, A. C. (2024, September 10). The importance of early cancer screenings. American Cancer Fund®. https://americancancerfund.org/the-importance-of-early-cancer-screenings/
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, November 23). 7 healthy habits that can lower your risk of cancer. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, November 19). Cancer. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, December 5). In five cancer types, prevention and screening have been major contributors to saving lives. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/five-cancer-types-prevention-screening-have-been-major-contributors-saving-lives
World Health Organization. (2022, February 3). Cancer. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
Disclaimer:
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your conditions best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI