Did you know… that February 4th of every year is World Cancer Day? Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many people do not know enough about this disease and therefore do not expect it to happen to themselves. Today, we will take everyone to learn more clearly about cancer.
Cancer: The Number 1 Cause of Death
Currently, the global community is paying more attention to cancer. Each year, cancer claims lives worldwide at an increasing rate. To raise global awareness of the dangers of cancer and to encourage people to take care of their health, the World Health Organization and the Union for International Cancer Control have designated February 4th as World Cancer Day. This follows findings that cancer is the number one cause of death worldwide, with over ten million deaths annually. More than half of these deaths occur in people aged 30-69, reflecting an increasing trend of cancer in the working-age population, which is linked to lifestyle changes in the modern era compared to the past.
In Thailand, cancer has been the leading cause of death for several decades. According to the latest data, over 67,000 Thais die from cancer annually, averaging 8 people per hour, with about 120,000 new cases each year. The most common cancers in men are liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. The top five cancers in Thai women are breast cancer, cervical cancer, liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer, among others.
What Causes Cancer?
More than 90% of cancer cases are caused by external factors, not hereditary genetics as most people believe. These external factors are behaviors that increase the risk of developing cancer, including:
- Eating grilled meat, fried foods, high-fat foods, or processed foods
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Exposure to radiation
- Infections from viruses, bacteria, parasites
- Immune system deficiencies
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Not eating fresh vegetables and fruits
Because Some Cancers Show No Symptoms
As is well known, cancer begins to develop in the body, and some types of cancer may not show any physical abnormalities. Therefore, the best method is cancer screening, which detects the disease at an early stage and allows for treatment. Currently, screening is highly effective for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer, among others.
Early Detection… Timely Treatment
Today, cancer can be treated promptly. If screening detects abnormalities early, patients can receive treatment from doctors at the initial stage. We want everyone to be aware of cancer screening, especially annual health check-ups, and to take care of their health to restore body wellness and reduce potential illnesses in the future.
For men who currently smoke or have smoked for an average of more than 20 years and more than one pack per day, lung cancer screening is recommended beyond just chest X-rays.
For women over 40 years old, in addition to regular breast self-examinations, medical examinations and mammography every 1-2 years are recommended. Ultrasound may also be used to enhance screening effectiveness.
Both men and women over 50 years old have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. If there is a close family history, it is advised to consult about colorectal cancer screening. Detecting abnormalities in the colon at an early stage can significantly reduce colorectal cancer mortality.
Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is caused by liver fluke infection and is therefore a preventable and curable cancer if diagnosed early before symptoms appear. High-risk groups include people aged 40 and above from the Northeastern region, those with a history of eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish, or those with a history of liver fluke infection. Screening with liver ultrasound to detect lesions, especially fibrosis around the bile ducts, is important. These high-risk patients should be monitored with ultrasound every 6 months to increase the chance of early cancer detection. Early-stage bile duct cancer can be cured in up to 90% of cases. Similarly, patients with chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections should be screened for liver cancer, as these viruses cause about 90% of liver cancer cases.
Although cancer seems like a serious and frightening disease, early detection and timely treatment allow us all to stay with our loved ones forever.
