Cancer is a major public health threat worldwide. It is a killer disease when not detected early. According to World Health Organization, Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. In order to increase public awareness on the dangers of this dreaded disease, Proclamation No. 1348 was enacted by then President Ferdinand Marcos declaring every third week of January as National Cancer Consciousness Week.

The observance of the National Cancer Consciousness Week focuses on the avoidance of exposure to the risk factors of chronic disease such as physical inactivity, improper diet and nutrition, smoking and use of alcohol. Tobacco use is the worst risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths, while cancer causing infections such as hepatitis and human papilloma virus (HPV) are responsible for up to 25% of cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries.

Late-stage presentation and inaccessible diagnosis and treatment are common. But according to WHO, between 30% to 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies. One may avoid tobacco use, limit alcohol use, practice safe sex, avoid urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels, and reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ionizing radiation and of course one should always maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.

Cancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. Thus, an early screening or diagnosis is relevant in majority of cancers. We don’t want to arrive at the moment where people will be diagnosed late of cancer. Thus, in order to lessen the chances of acquiring this dreaded disease, one should remember the risk factors mentioned above.

AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot

References:

1. “Did You Know: National Cancer Consciousness Week” from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1212083/did-you-know-national-cancer-consciousness-week-2

2. “Cancer Risk Factors” from https://www.medicinenet.com/cancer_causes/article.htm#cancer_risk_factor_facts

3. “Cancer” from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer#:~:text=Key%20facts,%2D%20and%20middle%2Dincome%20countries.

4. “National Cancer Consciousness Week” from https://www.dilg.gov.ph/events/National-Cancer-Consciousness-Week/543/