Cancer is a leading cause of death globally. More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low socioeconomic living where not enough resources are available, and also where people in the developing countries who are adopting western lifestyles such as tobacco use, higher consumption of fatty foods and reduce physical activity.Up to two-thirds of all cancers could be prevented if people applied everything known about cancer prevention to their lives, according to the American Cancer Society. Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world.
Cancer awareness colors: General cancer awareness – Lavender
- Lung-Pearl
- Prostate-Light Blue
- Colorectal-Brown
- Stomach-Periwinkle
- Bladder-Yellow
- Breast-Pink
- Uterus & Cervical-Teal
- Liver-Green
- Leukemia-Orange
- Brain Tumors-Gray
Most frequent cancer types World wide are :
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Most frequent cancer types in USA:
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Most frequent Childhood cancers:
- Leukemia
- Lymphomas
- Brain Tumors
Most frequent cancers in India:
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Steps to stay cancer free:
Promptly report these symptoms to your healthcare providers when you notice …
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Lump in the breast or any other part of your body
- Difficulty swallowing and indigestion
- Obvious changes of color or size in a wort or a mole
- 10% or more of body weight loss in a short period
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
Who is at risk for developing Cancers?
Prostate Cancer : The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older, and 2 out of 3 are found in men over the age of 65. Having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer also increases the risk of developing this disease, and also by eating a diet high in animal fat.
Lung Cancer : People who smoke are at the greatest risk of getting lung cancer and many other tobacco related illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, and emphysema. Other risk factors include exposure to radon and asbestos, particularly for smokers; and also second hand smoking.
Colon Cancer : Most colorectal cancers(cancers of the colon & rectum) are found in people over age 50. People with a personal or family history of the disease, or who have polyps in the colon or rectum, or inflammatory bowel diseases. Eating a diet of high-fat foods sources), overweight, smoking, and heavy use of alcohol increases a person’s risk for this disease.
Skin Cancer : People with fair skin (especially with blonde or red hair) have a greater risk for skin cancer than people with darker coloring. However, anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun is at risk. People who have close family members with a Melanoma are at higher risk for this cancer.
Breast Cancer : Breast cancer is the most common cancer that women may face in their lifetime. It can occur at any age, but most likely after age 40 and as women get older. Women are at higher risk with family history, & genetic tendency for this cancer.
Cervical Cancer : It is more likely to occur in women who have or had a virus called Human Papilloma Virus(HPV), which is passed on through sex. Is also more likely to occur in women who smoke, have HIV or AIDS, and who do not have regular Pap tests.
Uterus / Ovarian Cancers : Occurs most often in women age 50 and older. Women are at increased risk if on hormone replacement therapy, or had a breast cancer. Having an early onset of menstrual periods, late menopause, a history of infertility, polycystic ovary disease, or not having children can also increases the risk.
Guidelines to prevent cancers through healthy habits:
American Institute of Cancer Research
- Eat healthy: Diet included with vegetable, fruits and whole grains. Reduce red meats and processed meats.
- Weight Management: 30-45 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week. Obesity is a high risk factor for cancers.
- Avoid use of Tobacco products.
- Protect yourself from the sun, avoid direct sun between 10 AM & 3 PM. Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30.