World Cancer Day: A global movement for prevention and action

On 4th February every year, we unite to observe the World Cancer Day, a global initiative for raising awareness about cancer, encouraging its prevention, and inspiring collective action to combat the global cancer menace. The theme for 2025-2027 is ‘United by Unique’ which emphasizes that every individual’s cancer journey is unique and needy of personalized, people-centred care and support.

Burden of Cancer

Cancer is a major health concern worldwide. Global data suggests there were an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths due to cancer in 2022; about 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime; and approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease. As the burden of cancer continues to increase, it is projected that by 2040, the number of new cancer cases will rise to 30 million. Among the most common and deadly cancers globally are lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancer.

The cancer incidence is on the rise in India also. In 2022, there were an estimated 1.4 million new cases and 9 lakh deaths due to cancer in the country. The most prevalent cancers in India include breast, oral (mouth), lung, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Although lung cancer is the most common cancer among men worldwide, it is oral cancer that is the most common cancer among men in India, largely due to tobacco use. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide as well as in urban India. However, cervical cancer, mainly caused by the HPV infection coupled with increased risk due to unsafe sexual practices, is more common in rural India and remains a major concern even in urban India also.

Tips for Cancer Prevention and Risk Reduction

Cancer prevention is possible through lifestyle changes, early detection, and prompt treatment. Key tips to prevent cancer and reduce associated risks include:

Smoking and Tobacco Control:

Smoking and tobacco chewing form the leading cause of cancer, especially lung cancer. Avoid all forms of smoking and tobacco as they are responsible for 40% of cancer deaths globally.

Limit Alcohol Consumption:

Excessive alcohol intake is linked to several cancers, including liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Avoid alcohol altogether or drink in moderation.

Healthy Diet:

A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help reduce cancer risk. Seek advice from a qualified nutritionist (dietician) if you have any chronic health condition.

Physical Activity:

Regular physical activity can lower the risk of certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer. Indulge in moderate-intensity, aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, which should be appropriate for your age and any co-existent health condition, and may include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, yoga etc.

Hygiene and Infection Protection:

Vaccines can prevent cancers caused by certain infections such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (against cervical cancer) and Hepatitis B Vaccine (against liver cancer). Practicing safe sex can further reduce the risk of HPV-associated cancers. Maintaining good oral and personal hygiene can protect against oral and urogenital cancers respectively.

Sun Protection:

Excessive exposure to sunlight and undue exposure to harmful radiations (such as x-rays, ultraviolet rays etc.) form a leading cause of skin cancer. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors, particularly during peak sun hours. Avoid unnecessary radiation (including x-rays or CT scans unless advised as part of a health check-up or treatment).

Regular Health Checks:

Annual health check-up and routine cancer screening can detect cancer early, before symptoms arise, such as Pap test for cervical cancer, mammography for breast cancer, and stool test & colonoscopy for intestinal cancer. Early detection is crucial for prompt treatment and better outcome.

Vaccination:

Keep up-to-date with the vaccines linked to preventable cancers, especially the HPV vaccine and Hepatitis B vaccine.

Don’t ignore warning signs: Be vigilant for any warning signs of cancer, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained pain, changes in a skin mole or wart, appearance of any lump or changes in it, unexplained weight loss, or other persistent symptoms (such as persistent cough in lung cancer). These signs can help detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective with better results.

Advances in Cancer Treatment

Traditional methods of cancer treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and their combinations. Sometimes, such as in advanced & non-treatable cases, only supportive or palliative therapy can be given, with an objective of relieving symptoms, managing discomfort, reducing treatment side effects, and improving quality of life.

Recent advances in cancer treatment include newer therapies (such as immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and nanomedicines), improved treatment delivery methods, better imaging techniques, and robotic surgeries. The CAR-T cell therapy is one of the most promising advancements in cancer treatment. This revolutionary treatment is a type of immunotherapy, which uses a patient’s own immune cells that are modified to target and attack cancer cells. It has already shown success in treating blood cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, and a major breakthrough in 2024 expanded its use to treat solid tumours, offering hope for patients with previously difficult-to-treat cancers.

‘United by Unique’: People-Centred Cancer Care

The theme for World Cancer Day 2025-2027 is ‘United by Unique’ which emphasizes people-centred cancer care. It recognizes that each individual’s experience with cancer is different, and therefore, cancer care must focus not just on treating the disease but also on addressing the specific emotional, psychological, and social needs of the concerned patient. Its key principles include:

  • Empathy and compassion: Treating cancer patients as individuals, understanding their emotional and physical needs.
  • Collaborative decision-making: Empowering patients to be active participants in their care by involving them in treatment decisions.
  • Involvement of families and communities: Families and communities play an integral role in supporting patients through their cancer journey.
  • Equitable Access to Care: Ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.

Taking Action: How Can We Contribute?

As individuals, as healthcare providers, and as a community, we all have a role to play in the fight against cancer. Here are a few ways we can make a difference:

Spread Awareness:

Share information on cancer prevention, early detection, and healthy living. Encourage conversations about cancer among your clients and communities. The Pink Ribbon symbol is widely recognized as a symbol of support for breast cancer awareness; it is worn to honour breast cancer survivors, remember those who have died from breast cancer, and to support research and screening.

Advocate for People-Centred Care and Support:

Support healthcare policies that prioritize individualized, compassionate care, equitable access to treatment, and continued investment in research. Many Indian celebrities have shared their experiences with cancer and become advocates for cancer awareness and support (such as Yuvraj Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Sonali Bendre, Manisha Koirala, Tahira Kashyap, and Hina Khan).

Engage in Healthy Practices:

Lead by example by adopting a healthy lifestyle: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, eat a balanced diet, and stay physically active.

Final Thoughts: United in Our Goals, Unique in Our Needs As we mark World Cancer Day, let’s remember that each person’s cancer experience is unique. Together, we are united in the fight against cancer, yet we honour the uniqueness of every individual’s journey. Let’s act now to create a future where fewer lives are lost to cancer, and more lives are saved.