World Cancer Day is an international day marked on 4 February to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. While cancer is not something any of us like to think about, it’s a reality many of us will have to face eventually.
Being aware of lifestyle choices that could reduce your risks of developing cancer and what to look for to help you catch it early is the first step in combating the big C.
Why is cancer awareness so important?
Early diagnosis is vital when it comes to any form of cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, if cancer is detected early on, it’s more likely to respond to treatment which greatly increases the probability of remission.
Along with a higher survival rate, the early treatment also lowers the chances of complications due to advanced cancer or cancer treatments.
No one wants to put a price tag on their health, but cancer treatment can be expensive. Early treatment could lessen the financial impact of the disease.
An early cancer diagnosis can also help the patient and their families or caregivers prepare and plan for the journey ahead.
According to the World Health Organization, if cancer is detected early on, it’s more likely to respond to treatment which greatly increases the probability of remission.
Along with a higher survival rate, the early treatment also lowers the chances of complications due to advanced cancer or cancer treatments.
No one wants to put a price tag on their health, but cancer treatment can be expensive. Early treatment could lessen the financial impact of the disease.
An early cancer diagnosis can also help the patient and their families or caregivers prepare and plan for the journey ahead.
Be Prepared
When facing a serious and sometimes debilitating illness like cancer, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the science of curing the disease.
However, an individual is more than their cancer diagnosis, and palliative care can go a long way to help not only the patient but also their family.
Rather than curing the disease, the goal of palliative care is to treat the symptoms and side effects of both cancer and cancer treatment as soon as possible to maintain the best quality of life for the patient.
However, dealing with such a life-changing disease doesn’t just impact the body – patients often deal with psychological stresses and even spiritual questions.
The palliative care team can take care of the patient’s physical complaints, like pain and fatigue, as well as help them cope emotionally and come to terms with their diagnosis.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient; care-givers, close friends, and relatives often face questions of their own. A strong palliative care team can provide support and resources for those caring for the patient and those coming to terms with the diagnosis.
While we always hope for the best, that isn’t always the hand we’re dealt and, should the cancer be incurable, the palliative care team can prepare the patient and their caregivers for what will come towards the end of life and what would be required with regards to care.
Make Healthy Choices
While there is no way to fully prevent cancer, there are lifestyle changes you can make today that can help you reduce the risks of developing cancer:
If you’re not sure what to look for, remember this great reminder developed by the American Cancer Society:
A serious illness can place a lot of strain on both the body and the mind. Be aware of cancer, take steps to mitigate the risk, and get medical help immediately should anything seem amiss. Should the worst happen, get a supportive team in place to make sure you still get to live your best life!
Avoid bad habits
- Follow a healthy diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and maintain a healthy body weight as far as possible.
- Engage in some form of exercise, even if it’s just taking a walk.
- Drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it entirely
- Wear sunscreen to avoid ultraviolet radiation from exposure to the sun.
- Don’t hesitate to mention any concerns to a healthcare provider immediately!
If you’re not sure what to look for, remember this great reminder developed by the American Cancer Society:
| C: | Change in bowel or bladder habits |
| A: | A persistent sore throat |
| U: | Unusual bleeding or discharge |
| T: | Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere |
| I: | Indigestion or difficulty swallowing |
| O: | Obvious change in a wart or mole |
| N: | Nagging cough or hoarseness |
A serious illness can place a lot of strain on both the body and the mind. Be aware of cancer, take steps to mitigate the risk, and get medical help immediately should anything seem amiss. Should the worst happen, get a supportive team in place to make sure you still get to live your best life!
Thank you for reading this article on Cancer Awareness. Remember that early detection and prevention is key in the fight against cancer. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Stay healthy and take care!
Best regards,
The La Vie Team