Yesterday, Saturday, February 4, was World Cancer Day. This is to raise awareness of the global impact of this disease and improve understanding of prevention, detection, treatment and care.
In fact, cancer is a general term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body.
Other terms used are malignant tumors and neoplasms. The defining characteristic of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their normal limits and can then invade neighboring parts of the body and spread to other organs.
This process is known as metastasis. Metastases are the leading cause of death from cancer.
Cancer starts from a single cell. The transformation of a normal cell into a tumor cell is a multi-step process, usually progressing from a precancerous lesion to malignant tumors.
These changes are the result of an interaction between human genetic factors and three categories of external agents, including physical carcinogens such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation.
There are also chemical carcinogens such as asbestos, tobacco smoke components, aflatoxin (food contaminant), and arsenic (drinking water contaminant).
And finally, we find biological carcinogens, such as infection with certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Of course, there are some preventive habits that can reduce their incidence, and control protocols for detecting them in the early stages when treatments are more than effective.
More than 30% of cancers can be prevented by changing or avoiding major risk factors.
These may be:
Prevention strategies:
The Pan American Health Organization has reported that one of the leading causes of death in the Americas is cancer.
By 2020, there were 1.4 million deaths from this disease, accounting for 47% of those among people aged 69 and under.
The organization said the number of cancer cases in the region is projected to increase to 6 million by 2040. According to PAHO, the types of cancer most commonly diagnosed in Men from prostate (8.6%), lung (11.7%), colorectal (10.2%) and bladder (5.9%). On the other hand, the types of cancer most commonly diagnosed in women They are of breast (30.7%), lung (10.3%), colorectal (9.6%) and uterine (6.4%).
Shakira and Pique celebrate their first separate birthday in 12 years
Harry Styles: 5 curious facts after his 29th birthday
Source: La Opinion
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.