February 4 commemorates World Cancer Day. As global citizens, how can we play a role in the fight against this silent killer?
Known to us is the fact that Cancer is the leading cause of death locally. Yet unknown to us, medical research is facing a race against time in the discovery of techniques for early detection and cure. As the research advances, medical and social welfare professionals also actively advocate awareness in the belief that prevention is better than cure.
The commemoration of World Cancer Day is set to focus on three basic themes – correcting misrepresentations, raising awareness, and reducing stigma. Activities focus upon every individual’s contribution in the advocacy of early detection. Internationally, coloured ribbons, represent various cancers.
You can do your part by wearing these colours and spreading the word!
Breast Cancer
Common in women, the symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, a change of shape of the breast and texture of the skin around it. At more advanced stages, breast cancer may also spread to other parts of the body resulting in most cases of death from breast cancer. Breast cancer can be detected early through regular mammograms
Wear Pink if you would like to show your support for a victim or survivor of breast cancer.
Cervical Cancer
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infects the cervix, causing the cell structures to change. While in most cases they return to normal on their own, their persistence and abnormal growth can mutate in into cancer. While unhealthy lifestyles and sexual activity have been known as the leading cause of this cancer, a compromised immune system can also cause the cancer to develop. A regular pap-smear can detect the disease at very early stages and further medical procedures can confirm and even treat the cancerous cells. Advocacy, also includes getting vaccinated against this cancer.
If you would like to support this cause, a colour combination of A Teal/White Ribbon advocates Cervical Cancer.
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is characterised by uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues and if untreated can cause Metastasis – the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. There are two main types of lung cancer. They are small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The symptoms of lung cancer include chronic coughing, coughing out blood, and shortness of breath and chest pain. Exposure to pollutants in particular tobacco have been shown as the causes of this often fatal disease.
Advocacy for this cause, includes creating the awareness of the risks of smoking regular screening and a healthy diet. The colour white advocates this cause.
Colorectal Cancer
Colloquially known as bowel cancer, it is caused by abnormal cell growth in the intestines, in particular the rectum. Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, irregular bowel movement and bleeding in the stools are all attributed as symptoms of this disease. Patients who have encountered inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis could face a greater risk of this cancer.
Unhealthy diets including the consumption of red meat and excessive alcohol have also contributed to the prevalence of the cancer. A colonoscopy and further medical imaging can detect the presence of cancer.
March is Colorectal Cancer Month. Wear blue to advocate awareness.
There is great investment globally into research and development in Oncology. Leading research is focusing upon the largest and fastest growing therapeutic areas of oncology including cardiovascular, alimentary tract and the central nervous system.
Highly competent researchers have achieved multiple innovative preparations and drugs that are undergoing different stages of registry clinical studies in FDA. The Advanced Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDS) is a patented leading method in the area of controlled release technology.
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Disclaimer : The articles published on www.prime.sg are intended to provide tips for health and lifestyle for individuals aged 40 years and above. The articles are based on secondary research and do not represent the opinion of the author, Spring Publishing Pte Ltd or any mentioned third party. Spring Publishing Pte Ltd recommends professional consultation in medical treatments and will hold no responsibility for medical causes or consequences of the information contained in articles.
