Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with a staggering 70 per cent of cancer deaths occurring in low-to-middle-income countries. Millions of lives can be saved annually through resource-appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment. The United Nations, World Health Organization, and other agencies have emphasized the urgent need for a global commitment to combat cancer. In India, common cancers include lung, breast, cervical, neck, brain, and colorectal cancer, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The significance of cancer awareness is underscored by World Cancer Day, observed on February 4, which originated in 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer in Paris. The Charter of Paris Against Cancer, signed by global leaders, outlined a cooperative commitment to improving patient quality of life and investing in research, prevention, and treatment. The WHO projects cancer deaths to exceed 16.3 million by 2040 if incidence continues to grow at the current rate, with 40% of cancer deaths being preventable. This alarming trend highlights the need for timely action, including lifestyle changes, screening, and access to affordable healthcare. By prioritizing cancer prevention and control, we can mitigate the disease’s impact and create a healthier future.
In India, scientists are incredibly good at improving technology while simultaneously making it cost-effective. Irrespective of one’s education, nutritional and socio-economic status, everyone faces a risk of developing cancer. This is called the population risk of developing cancer. A timely initiative with the right degree of gravity for raising awareness about breast cancer among the folks. To be frank, most people do have only a vague idea about breast cancer and the intensity of the malady.
Cancer has always been considered a disease of the aged. Though that is true to a certain extent, the age at which women develop breast cancer has undergone a change in the last two decades. An increasing number of breast cancers are detected in the 25-40 years age group. The mere presence of risk factors is not synonymous with the occurrence of breast cancer nor can all risk factors for breast cancer be mitigated or modified.
The incidents of breast cancer in India is on the rise and is rapidly becoming the number one cancer in females pushing the cervical cancer to the second spot. The Cancer survivors has rightly said that “Courage is all that is needed.” The task of spreading the awareness of the prevalence of this cancer and advising women on undertaking self- breast examination comes into the picture.
According to the health experts lack of awareness is the reason why this disease is on a steady rise. Level of awareness of breast cancer in India is “worse” than other countries, particularly in rural areas that are more “orthodox and conservative” and where people do not feel comfortable talking about breast cancer. To prevent a disease, one needs to mitigate the risk factors that may lead to breast disease and breast cancer. Here is a simple message for women to keep in mind “If you love your life, you can save your life through early detection.
As we observe World Cancer Day, it’s clear that cancer is a pressing global health issue that demands collective action. By prioritizing prevention, early detection, and access to quality treatment, we can reduce the disease’s burden and save millions of lives. Let’s unite to combat cancer and create a future where this disease is no longer a death sentence, but a manageable health challenge.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
