Cancer is a deadly disease across the world. How to defuse it is a global issue. World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness and reduce social stigma. According to a record, 9.6 million people die every year from cancer, while 70 per cent of cancer deaths take place in developing or underdeveloped countries. Multiple initiatives have been made in support of those affected by cancer. The World Campaign Day campaign theme of 2020 is ‘I Am and I Will’.

Five deadly cancer in India on World Cancer Day

Cancer is so dangerous that it can affect any part of the body. There are more than 100 kinds of cancers of which some are common. As far as India is concerned, cancer cases have been increasing in the country at a rapid speed, and it has doubled in the last 26 years. As per the report, five types of cancer have affected the Indian population the most. These are – breast, oral, cervical, gastric and lung cancers.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is the most notable cancer among women which is common in the developed and developing nations. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had recorded over 2.09 million breast cancer cases in 2018 and 627,000 deaths across the world. It has been penetrating among Indian women as well. Recent data reveals that it is the most common among Indian women.

Some of the symptoms of breast cancer are a painless lump in the breast, change in shape and size of the breast, and bloody discharge from the nipple. If such symptoms occur, then patients should go for mammography, which is capable of detecting breast cancer in the early stage.

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer is a significant issue in India. As per a report, out of three lakh cases of oral cancer detected worldwide every year, unfortunately, 86 per cent cases are reported from India. Men are on the receiving end because they have this cancer the most. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol are the reason behind the development of oral cancer. The treatment of oral cancer is possible if it is detected in the early stage. It is reported that more than 2,500 people die every day in the country due to the consumption of tobacco.

Some of the symptoms of oral cancer are pain in the throat, ulcers in the mouth, change in voice, loosening of teeth, problem in swallowing and chewing. Tobacco users are advised to monitor their oral cavity regularly.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has been affecting Indian women at an alarming rate. Rural women in India are at higher risk of this cancer as compared to urban women. Cervical cancer spreads due to human papillomavirus (HPV). It is a sexually transmitted infection which is almost incurable. One woman dies every 8-minute due to cervical cancer. Consumption of vegetables and fruits may reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a significant concern worldwide, including India. Helicobacter pylori is one of the reasons for gastric carcinogenesis, and its infection leads to several diseases such as intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, gastric cancer, and so on. In India, people don’t take it seriously so gradually it turns into life-threatening.

Lung Cancer

The pollution level has been increasing, which led to lung cancer. Earlier, only smokers used to suffer from lung cancer, but now things have changed as non-smokers are also falling prey to it. As per a study, pollution in the atmosphere has increased the risk of lung cancer in India, especially for those below the age of 40.

However, cancer is the second most common reason for death in the country after cardiovascular disease. How to control and cure cancer is a significant concern worldwide. In India, over 41 per cent of the people die because of four types of cancer: breast, cervical, oral and lung cancers.

Raise awareness

The purpose behind this theme is to remove the negative attitude which being affected by cancer brings and instead encourage people to come forward in support of education to eradicate this life-threatening disease and save the lives of millions of people all over the world. Another aim for recognising a World Cancer Day is to motivate governments and individuals globally to take action in support of cancer patients. A regular body check-up once in a year should help in the detection of cancer and thus, in treating it as well.