On World Cancer Day, the Union for International Cancer Control has launched a three-year campaign to tackle the disease by bringing awareness about the benefits of early detection of cancer, as well as 2019's theme - “I am and I will”.
Cancer cases are increasing across the globe and more needs to be done to prevent and fight the deadly disease. “Incidence of cancer is on the rise, particularly in Ludhiana and Punjab in general. It is important to address the menace of growing incidence of cancer with urgency and in a coordinated manner with due emphasis on prevention, timely diagnosis and effective treatment," Dr Sandhya Sood, senior radiation oncologist, American Oncology Institute in Ludhiana, told a news portal. Adding, "Increased awareness about cancer is imperative, as it results in timely detection, which is very important in cancer patients as it can prevent death,” Sood went on to explain.
Bringing awareness about the benefits of early detection of cancer is critical to address the obstacles so that more people get screened and seek treatment on time. "We aim to achieve the objective of raising awareness about various types of cancer and how certain types of cancer can be prevented through vaccination and significant lifestyle changes,” said Sood.
Experts urge people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and even more important, to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of cancer. If detected early, cancer is much easier to treat than at a later stage.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also released guidelines to help reduce your risk of cancer. Four of the common risk factors of the disease globally are alcohol, smoking, unhealthy food, and a sedentary lifestyle.