Cancer is a general name for a group of diseases caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells. National cancer awareness day was observed on 7th November every year across the country. Cancer awareness day becomes a day to spread the message out loud and clear regarding the ill effects of cancer. Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in India as there were about 2.9 million cases of cancer in the country within which 1.1 million were newly being reported annually. Nearly 3000 people die every single day due to cancer caused by the use of tobacco. During early stage if cancer is detected it can be cured by treatment than detected during late or last stage of infection.
Causes for cancer
- Carcinogens like ultraviolet rays and ionizing radiations
- Chemicals like asbestos, tobacco and arsenic
- Infection from some viruses commonly hepatitis B and C virus and some bacteria’s
- Smoking tobacco
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating unhealthy diet
- Lack of physical exercise
- Environmental factors like air pollution
- Ageing is the important factor for the development of cancer.
Signs of cancer
- Change in bladder habits
- Sore which persist without healing
- Pain in bones
- Unusual bleeding and discharges from any openings in the body
- Constant low fever
- Severe weight loss and loss of appetite
- Persistence of headache
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Poor immune system due to repeated infection
- Obvious change in mole
- Acidity and indigestion
- Long persistence of cough
- Appearance of lumps in some parts of the body.
Preventive measures
- Eat healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and grain
- Regular physical exercise
- Avoid overweight and obesity
- Avoid tobacco, cigarette
- Avoid alcohol use
- Adopt safe sexual practices
- Get hepatitis B virus vaccination
- Avoid exposure to environmental carcinogens
- Take regular checkups and cancer screening.
AIM OF CANCER AWARENESS DAY
