Understanding the role of lifestyle and genetics in increasing cancer incidence |

Over the past 20 years, people from different parts of the world have been observing the state of the world every year. cancer This day, February 4, aims to raise public awareness of the disease and focus on early detection and prevention. Launched in 2022, the three-year campaign 'Close the Care Gap' will make a significant impact and reduce the burden of cancer worldwide by highlighting the urgent need to promote healthcare equity around the world. The purpose is to reduce the
In 2020, approximately 10 million people died from cancer worldwide, making cancer one of the leading causes of death. India is facing an alarming rise in cancer cases, with over 1.4 million cases reported in 2022 and the number of cancer patients in the country expected to reach over 1.5 million by 2025. ing.

What causes cancer?

Inherited mutations are responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer cases. If a parent passes on a mutated copy of her BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene to her child, the risk of the child developing cancer increases.

person's Lifestyle It also greatly contributes to the probability of developing cancer. Risk factors such as stress, obesity, poor or inadequate diet, smoking, and smoking can significantly impact the risk of developing cancer.

Early detection: the key to beating cancer

It is pertinent to note that approximately 30% to 50% of cancer cases can be avoided through early detection, minimizing risk factors, and receiving appropriate treatment. Apart from the commonly known symptoms such as unexplained bleeding and the appearance of lumps and moles, there are often overlooked symptoms such as fatigue, prolonged coughing fits, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and intestinal changes. We recommend that you look out for the signs of. Habit.

Diagnosing cancer early greatly increases the chance of a good treatment response, and recognizing symptoms quickly increases the chance of survival. It is also essential to recognize the importance of timely screening methods such as HPV (human papillomavirus) and mammography to further ensure early diagnosis of cervical cancer and breast cancer, respectively.
Cervical cancer and liver cancer can be largely prevented through vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination greatly reduces the risk by protecting against viruses that can cause liver cancer. Similarly, HPV vaccination prevents infections that can cause cervical cancer by targeting high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus.
(Author: Dr. Sandip Bartakke, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist, Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital, Pune)