Today is World Cancer Day. World Cancer Day is an international day to raise global awareness about cancer, and what we can do to act against the disease and prevent deaths around the world. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, for 2021, it is estimated that around 151,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer. This year for World Cancer Day, the theme is “Close the Care Gap,” which is about closing the equity gap that affects individuals and communities regarding essential health services. According to Union for International Cancer Control, “half the world’s population lacks access to the full range of essential health services. When it comes to cancer, many of us are denied basic care, even though we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in cancer prevention.” According to The Cancer Council, at least one in three potential cancer cases can be prevented, or significantly reduced before being diagnosed. Fortunately, there are a few simple changes you can take to potentially lower and reduce the risk of cancer.
Cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer. Across Australia, The Government has initiated the National Screening Programs, which are available to detect breast cancer, bowel cancer, and cervical cancer. The purpose of the National Screening Programs is to detect any early cancers in healthy people who do not have symptoms or to prevent any potential cancer cases.
Cancer screenings are bulk billed by the Australian Government to encourage people to take care of their bodies before any early-stage cancer can potentially occur. For cervical cancer, women aged 25 to 74 are encouraged to have a cervical screening every five years with their local General Practitioner. For bowel cancer, anyone aged 50 to 74 is provided with a Home Testing Kit to do in the privacy of their home, which is provided by the Australian Government every two years. For breast screening, women aged 40 to 74 are recommended to do a Mammogram every two years to monitor any potential symptoms.
Researchers continue to study what connection body weight, diet and exercise may potentially have in common with a cancer diagnosis. However, evidence has found that being overweight, having a poor diet, drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, and doing little to no exercise may potentially increase your risk of developing cancer. By enjoying a healthy, balanced diet, you may reduce your risk of developing oesophagus, stomach, and bowel cancer.
By eating more vegetables, fruit, legumes, and wholegrain cereals, you may strengthen your body’s immunity and decrease the risk of developing cancer. By doing up to thirty minutes of physical activity every day, you may reduce your risk of specifically developing colon cancer and breast cancer. According to the Cancer Council, maintaining little to no physical activity may be responsible for developing 14% of colon cancer cases, and 11% of breast cancer cases, and may contribute to other diagnosed cancers. Having a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and eating healthier food choices may not only reduce your cancer risk but protect your body from many other potential health conditions.
Tobacco smoking is one the largest causes of lung cancer that is responsible for the deaths of many Australians. According to Cancer Australia, in 2021, around 8,639 Australian deaths were caused by lung cancer. By stopping smoking, your body may decrease a significant effect in the risk of developing lung cancer, stroke, heart attacks, and chronic diseases. A study involving five hundred people discovered that quitting smoking after an early-stage diagnosis of lung cancer potentially increased their bodies health for longer life, and delayed a return, or worsening of lung cancer found in the body. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of global cancer deaths, with the greater majority of cases attributed to smoking. Smoking is a harmful habit that may lead to severe health conditions, however, when a person quits smoking, your body may begin to heal and reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and potentially worsening health conditions.
A third of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia is Melanoma cancer, otherwise known as skin cancer. Skin cancer occurs within the body when skin cells are damaged, which may be from overexposure to the sun. According to the Cancer Council, every year in Australia, 80% of newly diagnosed cancers are due to skin cancer, and the majority of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. One way to protect yourself from developing skin cancer is to practice sun safety through slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide. The best way to protect yourself is to slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible, slop on sunscreen that is at least SPF30 or more, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade when going outside, and slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes. By protecting yourself from harsh UV rays, you armour yourself against developing skin cancer.
Research continues to uncover more about cancer and how we can stop it once and for all from affecting the lives of many. Although it has not been discovered as to what all of the risks and causes for cancer are, however, several bodily changes have been shown to decrease the potential risk of developing cancer. Through having regular General Practitioner check-ups, using the National Screening Programs, maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle, stopping the use of smoking, and being sun safe when outside, this may be a big steppingstone in reducing your potential risk of developing cancer. This year for World Cancer Day, let’s unite as one in taking a stand against cancer by celebrating through joining a World Cancer Day event near you, sharing the day through social media, or by donating to a cancer charity.
Leave a Reply