02/05/2016,
Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. It will kill 8 million people in 2016, equivalent to the population of New York City.
World Cancer Day, which takes place every year on February 4, is intended to remind people of the importance of remaining mobilized against this disease. The slogan for the day of February 4, 2016 was: “We can, I can”.
Indeed, we can all act individually against cancer. But how ?
By getting tested
Thanks to screening, breast, prostate and colon cancer survival has improved in recent years, according to a report from the Institute for Public Health Surveillance, the Francim network of cancer registries, the national institute of cancer and hospitals in Lyon, published this week.
According to this report, prostate cancer survival increased from 72% for a diagnosis between 1989 and 1994 to 94% for a diagnosis between 2005 and 2010, which is very encouraging.
By quitting smoking
Smoking is responsible for 22% of cancer deaths and causes 73,000 deaths per year in France alone.
By practicing physical activity
Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of developing certain cancers. Physical exercise also helps to limit weight gain, another risk factor. Remember that humans are not made to sit all day, you have to exercise!
By consuming less red meat and processed meats
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the WHO announced in October 2015 the classification of red meat consumption as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. As for the consumption of processed meats, it is classified as “carcinogenic to humans”.
In addition, diets favoring fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against certain cancers.
By limiting our alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can be responsible for many cancers such as cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus or even liver.
By getting vaccinated
It is estimated that up to 20% of cancer deaths could be prevented with vaccination.
5 facts to know about cancer
1. The deadliest cancer is lung cancer. Across the European Union, it kills 270,000 people a year, or 21% of cancer-related deaths. It is followed by colorectal cancer.
2. 70% of cancer deaths occur in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The reasons: increased smoking, environmental pollution (still a lot of asbestos, discharges of industrial pollutants, etc.), infections such as papillomavirus or hepatitis which can be the cause of cancer. For example, 76% of cervical cancers affect women in developing countries. This situation worsens due to a lack of screening and access to treatment.
3. 30% of cancers are inevitable, for the others, we can take action.
4. There are over a hundred different cancers
5. The overall cost of treatment for cancer-related treatments fell from 6.6% of health insurance expenditure in 2007 to 10% in 2015.
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Sources: The League Against Cancer – WHO |
