World Cancer Day, February 4, has created an opportunity to raise awareness, educate and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body. When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs. It is also referred to as neoplasm and malignant tumour.
Sadly, cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death. In 2021, the world crossed a sobering new threshold estimated and 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and 10 million died. These numbers will continue to rise in the decades ahead, especially if awareness is not created. One must know that cancers can be treated, and many can be prevented or cured, as well.
Cancer is a disease that grows in both males and females. But lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men. While breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
Measures can be put in place to control and prevent it. Individuals are advised to avoid smoking and using tobacco, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, protect themselves from the sun and other forms of radiation, get vaccinated, get regular medical care and protect themselves from viruses and infections.
Unfortunately, cancer sometimes comes back after treatment. This is called recurrence. Even if one cancer cell is left behind, it can grow and divide to become a new tumour. And that new tumour can start to grow in the same area of the body where cancer first started.
Beware and remember that prevention is better than cure!
By Lordina Nayeram Bessie|editors.3news.com|Ghana
