Cancer is one of the major health problems in modern society. It is associated with many factors, including genetic, environmental and behavioral changes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, after cardiovascular diseases. This is also evidenced by statistics indicating an increasing incidence rate.
What is the incidence of cancer?
Globally, it is estimated that one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime. This statistic may vary depending on country, lifestyle, and access to healthcare, but it highlights the scale of cancer’s prevalence.
Statistics from scientific sources:
World Health Organization (WHO): According to WHO 2020 data, more than 18 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year. The incidence of cancer is increasing, and by 2040, it is predicted that the number of new cancer cases could reach as many as 30 million.
American Cancer Society (ACS): The ACS states that one in three people in the United States will develop cancer. Cancer incidence is significantly affected by age, with most cancer cases occurring in people over the age of 55.
What are the risk factors for cancer?
Cancer can develop for a variety of reasons, some of which are controllable, while others are not. Here are some of the main risk factors that can increase the likelihood of cancer:
Age: Age is a risk factor for cancer. A large proportion of cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 55. This may be due to genetic damage that has accumulated over the years and changes in the way the immune system works.
Genetics: In some cases, cancer can be hereditary, where people have inherited genetic mutations that increase their risk of cancer. Such mutations can be related to different types of cancer, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer.
Lifestyle and behaviour: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating habits, low levels of physical activity and being overweight are factors that significantly increase the risk of many types of cancer, especially lung, liver, bowel and breast cancer.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as air pollution, chemicals in the workplace, and prolonged sun exposure can contribute to the development of cancer. For example, prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer.
Infections: Some viruses and bacteria can cause cancer. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer, while hepatitis viruses (HBV, HCV) increase the risk of liver cancer.
How can reduce your risk of cancer?
Although there are many factors that contribute to the development of cancer that are not entirely under your control, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease:
- Healthy lifestyle: Switching to a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of several cancers.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and quitting significantly reduces the risk of not only lung cancer but also other types of cancer.
- Sun protection: Using sunscreen, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and using tanning beds can reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Regular checkups and screening tests: Many types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer, can be detected early through regular checkups and screenings. Early diagnosis often increases the chances of successful treatment.
Conclusion
Cancer is a common disease, the incidence of which continues to increase, and, according to various sources, every third person will encounter this disease during their lifetime. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of cancer by following a healthy lifestyle and taking preventive measures. Also, early detection of cancer can significantly improve the outcome of treatment. Scientific research and modern medical technologies help not only to improve treatment methods, but also to promote cancer prevention and early diagnosis, which is important to reduce the spread of cancer in the future.
Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Cancer Fact Sheet
- American Society of Oncology (ASO)- Cancer Facts & Figures 2020
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Cancer Statistics 2020
A diagnosis of “cancer” should not be a judgment. Instead, it should be the starting point for a path to understanding and treatment based on the best options for the individual patient – both physically and psychologically. 🌿
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