Have you been affected by cancer?

Today is World Cancer Day.  Have you been affected by cancer?

“World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.  It 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.”

Can we prevent cancer?

In our bodies, it is normal for cells to die and renew. This process is controlled by our genes. In cancer, damage to the genes can cause cells to multiply to form a tumour. Most cancers start due to changes in the genes that happen over a persons lifetime but some cancers are caused by inherited genetic abnormalities which are handed down from our parents.

There are over 200 types of cancers and 1 in 2 people in the UK will get cancer.

Cancer is in the top 10 causes of death in every country. In the UK, lung cancer is the 6^th most common cause of death in women, closely followed by breast cancer at number 7 and bowel cancer at number 8. In the USA, cancer is at number 2.

Is there anything you can do to prevent cancer? Yes – at least a third of all cancers are preventable.

The World Health Organisation have listed ways to prevent cancer:

1. Tobacco – is the single greatest avoidable factor for cancer worldwide. It is estimated that tobacco causes 22% of cancer deaths per year. In 2004, 1.6 million of the 7.4 million cancer deaths were due to tobacco use. Smoking causes lung, oesophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervical cancer. Passive smoking – or second hand smoking – has been proven to cause lung cancer in non-smoking adults.

2. Physical inactivity, dietary factors, obesity – there is a link to being overweight for many cancers including oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. A healthy diet (fruit and vegetables with reduced red and processed meat) can prevent 1 in 10 cancers.  Along with regular physical activity and reduced stress, these lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cancer.

3. Alcohol – is a risk factor for many cancers including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. The risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.  Heavy drinking and smoking substantially increases the risk for oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and oesophagus cancer.

3. Radiation- can also cause cancer, especially radiation from the sun which can result in skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.  Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, using sun screen and protective clothing can reduce these cancers.  UV emitting tanning devices are now also classified as carcinogenic.

For further information visit – http://www.worldcancerday.org/