World Cancer Day is led and organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and celebrated each year on the 4th of February. This is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer. This year’s theme “I Am and I Will” shows us that our actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighborhoods, communities, and cities. This year’s theme reminds us that when we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer.
Cancer is a global challenge. In 2018, 18 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer. According to the Department of Health, among Filipino men, the 6 most common types of cancer diagnosed are lung, liver, colon/rectum, prostate, stomach, and leukemia. Among Filipino women the 6 most common types of cancer diagnosed are breast, cervix, lung, colon/rectum, ovary, and liver.
Yes, it is scary. But it is well-accepted that your chances of developing cancer are greatly affected by the lifestyle choices you make among other factors. Thus, you may consider these tips to reduce your risk of cancer:
1. Don’t use tobacco
Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer- including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix, and kidney. Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer.
2. Limit processed meats
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, concluded that eating large amounts of processed meat can slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
3. Avoid obesity
Eat lighter and leaner by choosing few high-calorie foods, including refined sugars and fat from animal sources.
4. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources- such as whole grains and beans
5. Exercise regularly
Start moving your body. Commit to at least 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise every day.
Together, all of our actions matter. Don’t forget to remind the person you’re with that you care for him or her and that his or her healthy lifestyle choices are very important in living a healthy life. Be part of the support system. It may not be easy for someone to change their lifestyle, but together, we can because “I Am and I Will”.
AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot
References:
1. “World Cancer Day” from https://www.who.int/cancer/world-cancer-day/en/
2. “World Cancer Day Theme: I Am and I Will” from https://www.worldcancerday.org/about/2019-2021-world-cancer-day-campaign
3. “World Cancer Day 2021” from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/donate/world-cancer-day-2021
4. “Cancer prevention” from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
5. “Philippine Cancer Control Program” from https://doh.gov.ph/philippine-cancer-control-program#:~:text=Among%20Filipino%20men%2C%20the%206,%2Frectum%2C%20ovary%20and%20liver.
