The world of Medicine has seen a lot of technological advances yet cancer somehow remains one of the greatest enemies of mankind in the 21st century. Each year, the entire world stands together for one day of empowerment and support to those directly or indirectly affected by this dreaded disease. That day, which is celebrated on the 4th of February of every year, is known as World Cancer Day.

Undoubtedly, it is one day of the year when everyone from all parts of the world band together to improve education, raise worldwide awareness, and catalyse personal and collective actions.

Over the last two decades, this international day of awareness has grown into a global mission to save billions of precious lives by raising awareness about cancer. The day is also celebrated as the day for individuals and governments across the world to take preventive and rehabilitation efforts against the disease.

What exactly is cancer?

Cancer is a severe disease that occurs from the transformation of normal cells of the body into cancerous cells through a multi-stage process that usually advances from a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumour. The three most common forms of the disease are lung cancer, breast cancer, and bowel cancer. Some other types of cancer include bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine cancer, melanoma, oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the count of cancer-related deaths is likely to increase to 13 million by the year 2030. The good news is that cancer survival rates are improving with every passing year because of significant improvements in cancer screening and treatment.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cancer

Cancer may cause different symptoms, including but not limited to:

• A sore that does not heal
• Change in the texture of breast skin
• Changes in bowel habits
• A change in an existing mole or appearance of new mole
• Changes in the shape, size, or appearance of the nipple or breast
• A lump or thickening under or on the skin
• A cough or hoarseness that doesn't go away
• Changes in appetite or discomfort after eating
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unusual discharge or bleeding
• Unexplained night sweats
• Blood in the stool, urine or vaginal bleeding

Risk Factors Of Cancer

Some of the most common risk factors that can dramatically increase your risk of getting cancer are:

• Obesity: The body may produce excessive amounts of estrogen and other hormones in the presence of extra fat tissue. This may, in turn, stimulate the growth and proliferation of cells in the body. The more often the body cells divide, the more the risk of developing cancer. Obesity may also be a factor in the development of chronic inflammation that can damage DNA over a period of time and become a cause of cancer.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoke includes thousands of toxic chemicals that may cause cancer or aggravate an existing form of cancer. It is important to note that even second-hand smoke may increase your risk of cancer.
• Sedentary lifestyle: If you don't lead an active lifestyle that is characterised by regular exercises, a sleep of at least 7-9 hours a day, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol, the risk of cancer more as compared to others who lead an active lifestyle.
• Hereditary: If you have a family history of any form of cancer, there is a possibility that you may have inherited the abnormal gene. Overall, inherited mutations are a reason behind only 5-10 percent of all cancers.

If you or someone you know is suffering from or experiencing signs and symptoms of GI cancer, you should consult Dr. Rudra Acharya who is a leading oncologist with more than two decades of experience. Dr. Rudra has assisted thousands of patients diagnosed with stomach, gallbladder, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and esophagus cancer.

Dr. Rudra is presently working as the Director, Global Cancer Care at Rejoice Hospital & Sr. Consultant, Surgical-Oncology at Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, New Delhi and has received many awards and recognitions for his services to medical sciences.