Every year, 9.6 million people die due to cancer. This figure is more than the total of deaths due to HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. It is thought that cancer-related deaths will reach 13 million by 2030. One-third of cancer-related deaths can be prevented. The other third can be detected and treated early. If early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can be achieved through the correct use of resources, 3.7 million lives can be saved every year. Today we have more data about cancer than ever before. As we learn more, we can reduce risk factors, improve diagnosis and treatment, and even prevent cancer before it occurs. 65% of cancer-related losses occur in underdeveloped countries.
Instead of the fear and prejudices we feel against cancer, we should make changes in our daily lives that will reduce the risks. For example; We must be protected from smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, infections, alcohol, environmental pollution, carcinogens and radiation.
Every year, 6 million people die due to cancer caused by smoking. Tobacco contains more than 7000 chemicals, more than 250 harmful substances and is associated with more than 50 types of cancer. Lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix are among the leading tobacco-related cancers. Lung cancers due to passive smoking are also very common in non-smokers. Nicotine-containing products, also known as smokeless tobacco, cause mouth, esophagus and pancreatic cancer.
Obesity-related cancer types include esophagus, colon, breast, uterus and kidney cancers. Regular physical exercise, a healthy diet and a healthy weight; reduces the risk of cancer. Staying away from foods containing carcinogens and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables protects against many types of cancer.
Alcohol use is associated with cancer of the mouth, esophagus, trachea, liver, colon and breast. The combination of alcohol and tobacco use increases the risk of cancer.
The rate of cancer due to infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, HPV, Hepatitis B and C, and EBV is around 15%. Two-thirds of cancers caused by infections occur in underdeveloped countries. Cancer risk can be reduced with vaccination programs r. Liver cancers can be prevented with the Hepatitis B virus vaccine, and cervical cancers can be prevented with the vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
More than 200 thousand cases of lung cancer occur every year due to air pollution. The biggest causes of air pollution are solid fuels and unregulated industrialization, which doubles the risk of cancer, especially in women.
The most common types of cancer due to radiation are leukemia and solid tumors. Exposure to radiation at a young age increases the risk. UV radiation specifically increases the risk of skin cancer. Sun protective clothing and creams reduce exposure.
There are cancers that we can prevent through early diagnosis and screening against all these risk factors. Breast and cervical cancer are among them. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, followed by cervical cancer. In these types of cancer, a complete response can be achieved with early diagnosis and treatment, and cancer-related deaths can be prevented. It is recommended that every woman over the age of 40 have a mammogram once a year for breast cancer screening. HPV vaccination is very important for cervical cancer in girls aged 9-14. It is also recommended that every woman of childbearing age have a cervical smear test every 3 years.
The fight against cancer should be aimed at prevention and early diagnosis. Instead of being afraid of cancer, we should be afraid of being late. I wish you healthy days.
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