United in the fight against cancer

The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is United by Unique, which emphasises the importance of personalised care to meet the unique needs of each patient. There would not be a family that has not been touched by the cancer scourge, whether it be a grandparent, parent, child, uncle, aunt or cousin.

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and their families. Each year, World Cancer Day unites the global community to raise awareness, inspire action, and drive progress in the fight against this devastating disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is responsible for about 10 million deaths annually, accounting for nearly one in six deaths worldwide.

The most common types of cancer include lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers. Factors contributing to the rise in cancer cases include aging populations, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures.

Cancer Day is an initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The day serves as a platform to educate the public about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. It also aims to influence governments and individuals to take collective responsibility in reducing the global impact of cancer.

This can be achieved by raising awareness and informing the public about cancer risks and prevention strategies, encouraging policy-makers to prioritise cancer control and allocate resources, promoting research and sharing knowledge on the latest advancements in cancer care and supporting survivors and caregivers to share their stories.

Preventing cancer involves addressing risk factors and implementing lifestyle changes. The WHO estimates that up to half of all cancers are preventable.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Engaging in regular physical activity.
• Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption.
• Protecting skin from excessive sun exposure.
• Getting vaccinated against cancer-related infections like HPV and hepatitis B.

Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular screenings and awareness of early symptoms are crucial. Programs promoting mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears have been effective in detecting cancers at treatable stages.

The medical community has made substantial progress in cancer treatment, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients. Innovations include:

• Immunotherapy: Harnessing the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell mechanisms with minimal impact on healthy cells.
• Medicine: Tailoring treatment based on genetic profiling of tumours.
• Advancements in radiation and surgery: More precise and less invasive options reducing recovery times.

Continuous research is vital in the fight against cancer. Funding and collaboration among governments, private sectors, and non-profits accelerate the development of new treatments. Additionally, support systems for patients and families play a critical role in coping with the emotional and psychological impacts of cancer.

World Cancer Day will be held on Tuesday February 4.

More details can be found at: https://www.worldcancerday.org/

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