Introduction

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4th every year to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The day is organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.

Theme

The World Cancer Day theme for 2023 is "Close the Care Gap" which builds on the theme for 2022 and will run through 2024 (a 3-year campaign with specific objectives for each year). In a multi-year campaign, it was anticipated that there would be more exposure and participation, as well as more chances to increase public awareness and make a difference.

The objective of the World Cancer Day 2022 Theme was “Realizing the problem”. The "Close the Care Gap" initiative's initial year was devoted to understanding and recognising the challenges surrounding cancer care around the world.

The objective for 2023 is "Uniting our voices and taking action." The emphasis this year is on forging new and stronger partnerships in order to bring together the voices of like-minded individuals and make a potent appeal.

The objective of the World Cancer Day 2024 Theme is “Together, we challenge those in power”. The emphasis in the last year is on bringing cancer prioritization to the notice of higher authorities, coming up with innovative ways to deal with inequality, and allocating resources to build a just and cancer-free future.

Prevention:

Prevention is key in the fight against cancer. Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. These include:

  • Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active.
  • Avoiding tobacco products, including second-hand smoke.
  • Limiting alcohol consumption.
  • Protecting skin from harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen.

Early Detection:

Early detection is crucial in treating cancer and improving outcomes. Regular check-ups and screening tests can help detect cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Some common screening tests include:

  • Mammograms for breast cancer.
  • Pap smears for cervical cancer.
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer.
  • Colorectal cancer screening tests, such as colonoscopies.

Treatment:

Cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years, and new treatments are being developed all the time. The most common treatments include:

  • Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue.
  • Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells using drugs.
  • Targeted therapy to attack specific cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy to enhance the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Conclusion:

The fight against cancer is ongoing, and it requires a global effort. By making lifestyle changes, undergoing regular check-ups, and seeking prompt treatment when necessary, individuals can play a significant role in creating a cancer-free world. On World Cancer Day, let us pledge to participate in the fight against cancer and work towards a future where cancer is no longer a threat to our lives.

Website — www.cpsmumbai.org

Like CPS on Facebook

Subscribe CPS on YouTube