According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with nearly 10 million deaths being reported in 2020. Of the various types, breast, lung, and colon cancer are among the most common. With advancement in medicine, many forms of this life-threatening disease can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.
February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day with an aim to increase attention and support for awareness, early detection, and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease. In order to positively impact cancer survival rates, early detection is critical. This can only happen when people remain aware of the risk factors, are hyper-vigilant about symptoms and undergo routine screening—wherein at-risk individuals test to detect cancer before any symptoms appear.
On World Cancer Day, we spoke with Dr Akshay Shah, consultant medical haemato-oncology and stem cell transplant at Global Hospital, to understand the risk factors behind prominent types of cancer, and how to go about screening for the deadly disease.
Lung cancer
1.8 million people died of lung cancer—the most common cause of cancer death—in 2020 across the globe, according to WHO. “Consuming tobacco and alcohol, and air pollution are the most pressing risk factors, alongside second-hand smoking, exposure to dangerous elements including asbestos, radon, arsenic, uranium, beryllium, diesel exhaust, chromium, cadmium coal products, and previous radiation therapy to the lungs.”
Screening
Heavy smokers over 50 years, or those who have quit in the past 15 years, should undergo a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) every year.
Breast Cancer
As per WHO, 1 in 22 urban Indian women is likely to develop breast cancer. “Women over the age of 50 are at most risk, while factors such as family history, reproductive history, use of oral contraceptives, smoking, consuming excessive alcohol, obesity, genetic factors (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation), and radiotherapy to the chest wall may also contribute to breast cancer,” explains Shah.
Screening
It is advised that women over 20 should undergo clinical breast examinations every year. Women between the ages of 40 and 50 should get mammography done every one to two years for early detection.
Colon cancer
Over 1.83 million cases of rectum and colon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, were reported in 2020 as per WHO estimates. “Men over the age of 50 are at higher risk than women.” Shah advises that those at-risk should avoid consumption of red meat and smoking. “Family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, adenomatous polyps, and inflammatory bowel disorder may cause colon cancer”.
Screening
Fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test should be undertaken every year, between the ages of 45 and 75. Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy every 10 years are also effective screening tests that can find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.
Cervical cancer
Over 300,000 women around the globe died from cervical cancer in 2018 according to WHO estimates. The fourth most common cancer in women, cervical cancer is also among the most successfully treatable if it is detected early. “In a majority of instances, human papillomaviruses (HPV)—an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact—increases the risk of cervical cancer. Consuming oral contraceptive pills for over five years, smoking, and having multiple sexual partners may also lead to cervical cancer.”
Screening
The Papanicolaou (PAP) test and HPV test are the most effective screening methods and should be undertaken after 30 years of age. The former can detect cells that may turn into cancer, effectively increasing one’s chances of survival, while the latter detects the virus that can cause these cell changes.
Prostate cancer
With over 1.4 million reported cases globally, prostate cancer is among the most common types of cancer according to the WHO. “Age is among the leading causes of prostate cancer. Men over 50 are at most risk, which coupled with family history, obesity, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, or Agent Orange exposure may lead to prostate cancer.” A decrease in dietary fat, an increase in consumption of vegetables, fruits and legumes is advised by Shah.
Screening
Those between the ages of 50 and 70 should get their blood tested for prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels which can be indicative of cancer. A digital rectal examination is another method of screening that is used commonly.
Head and neck cancer
Cancers of the head and neck can form in the oral cavities (including lips, tongue, gums, lining inside the cheeks, and floor of the mouth), throat, voice box (larynx), paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavity, and salivary glands. “Tobacco use, betel quid (paan), and alcohol consumption are among the most significant risk factors in addition to radiation exposure. Infection with cancer-causing types of HPV, specifically HPV 16 and HPV 18, is also a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers in people over the age of 40.
Screening
In the absence of a standard test, routine physical examination of the neck, oropharynx, and mouth is recommended. Dentists may also check the oral cavity for signs of cancer during yearly check-ups. For high-risk patients (with genetic history or excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol), physical examination must be done every three months.
Also Read: Maharashtra experts develop nanorobot for early cancer detection
Disclaimer: This article is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Mid-day Online does not in any way endorse the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or timeliness of any advice or line of treatment mentioned in this article. Readers must always seek the advice of a certified medical practitioner and/or nutritionist first before initiating any changes to their diet plans or fitness routines, and deciding on or starting any course of treatment.
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