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World Cancer Day and Cancer Awareness

Article written by Gloria Cabrera

Unless affected directly or indirectly, you may not have been aware that the 4th of February was World Cancer Day. In fact, before writing this article I wasn’t and didn’t realise just how common cancer was, nor the increasing prevalence.

Cancer affects a large number of Americans both directly and indirectly. Often, if you are fortunate enough not to have someone in your family that has had cancer, you will know of someone else that has - a sad but increasing reality.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America after heart disease1. With the statistics so high, cancer research is vital. The American Cancer Society is committed to providing information on a number of aspects on cancer including information on prevention and control of cancer as well as providing support to those affected by it. Research is vital and the American Cancer Society provides one of the nation's largest private, not-for-profit source of funds for scientists studying cancer2. The aim in cancer research includes; gaining a better understanding of cancer, looking at cancer prevention and early detection, improving treatment and care, investigating attitudes to cancer risk and improving quality of life4.

But what exactly is Cancer?

Cancer starts as a result of the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells4. Through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, these cells are able to spread locally or to other parts of the body4. Our bodies have many cells all (except blood cells) containing the body’s genetic material called DNA. However in day to day living DNA damage can occur due to the effects of carcinogens such as those in cigarette smoke, infectious agents, chemicals and certain environmental factors. Normally DNA damage can be repaired by the body however this is not the case in cancer cells4. It should be noted that some cancers are a result of genetic or inherited abnormalities4.

There are many different types of cancer, some of the more common ones include lung, bowel, skin, breast, prostate and ovarian cancers.

Although not always the case, certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of contracting particular types of cancer. Some of these include:

  • Being a smoker – the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stated that each year, tobacco kills 5 million people, of which 1.5 million die from lung cancer10. The Cancer Council New South Wales, Australia estimates that about 90% of all lung cancer incidents are attributed to smoking7.  In a survey (Cancer Related Beliefs and Behaviour) conducted by the UICC across 39 countries, it was found that 25% of people who smoked daily believed that smoking did not increase risk of cancer9. In fact the survey found that people who were at most risk from cancers tended to downplay their own risk9. Just how does Tobacco smoke increase cancer risk? Tobacco contains around 69 cancer-causing substances which can contribute to genetic mutations that cause the uncontrolled growth of human cells that may lead to tumours and cancer in various parts of the body. One of these substances, Benzo(a)pyrene, has been found to damage the all-important P53 gene. This gene plays a vital role in maintaining the body's health by preventing uncontrolled cell multiplication7. Although lung cancer is the most common form of cancer attributed to smoking, other cancers such as larynx, oesophagus and mouth cancers are also common7.
  • Being overweight or obese – Isabel Mortara, Executive Director of UICC stated that “Three to four million new cases of cancer could be prevented each year by avoiding overweight and obesity” 11. The same article also stated that 40% of Americans and Australians are not even aware of the link between being overweight or obese and cancer11. It seems that poor diets, lack of exercise and being overweight and obese accounts for approximately a third of all cancers in western countries3. Terry Slavin who published a report on the findings from the ‘Cancer Related Beliefs and Behaviour’ survey estimated that “thirty to forty per cent of cancers could be preventable if people led healthier lives, tackling overweight and obesity” 9. 
  • “Although evidence linking cancer to overweight and obesity is largely based on adult studies, healthy lifelong habits are best established in childhood”, states Professor David Hill11. Professor Kathy Pritchard Jones based at the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton commented that “While children with poor lifestyles were no more likely to suffer from cancer in childhood, they are storing up trouble for later life. Childhood is a time when the habits of a lifetime is established. If you want healthy adults you have to start by making healthy children.” 3.
  • Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (i.e. sunburn) is a risk factor for two types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, melanoma being the most lethal type of skin cancer 4.
  • Exposure to infectious agents such as Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis C 4. H. Pylori has been confirmed as a causal factor of cancer in particular stomach cancer. Professor Mendez of UNSW explains that “When the body fights a bacterial infection, it can also damage its own tissue. Subsequent tissue regeneration in the presence of a strong irritant is an ideal ingredient for the development of cancer.” He also states that “In the liver permanent viral infections such as those by hepatitis viruses could be exacerbating the impact of bacterial infections.”
  • Exposure to environmental pollutants such as asbestos and arsenic4.

Although not all cancers are preventable, there are some things that can be done to help reduce the risk of getting certain types of cancer or help in the early detection of cancer. Some of these include:

  • Regular check up and screenings e.g.  Pap test, Monograms, Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). These can detect most cancers at early stages when they are easier to treat5.
  • Check, monitor and be aware of any unusual growths or changes to any growths on your body.  Look out for things like lumps or sores that won’t heal, moles or spots that change shape, size or colour, coughs or hoarseness that doesn’t go away and unexplained weight loss6.
  • Be aware of any family history of cancer6. This does not necessarily mean that you will get cancer as cancer often develops by chance but in some cases people are more susceptible to certain cancers due to an inherited gene. This is only a very small percentage but being aware and having regular checkups is important6.
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle – eat healthy and exercise. Leading a healthy lifestyle and keeping at a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of many lifestyle diseases including certain cancers9.
  • Quit smoking and try to avoid passive smoking4.
  • Wear appropriate safety equipment when being exposed to potential toxins or carcinogens4.
  • When in the sun, ensure you wear sun screen (with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher), a hat, protective clothes and sunglasses. When outdoors, seek shade and try and avoid spending large amounts of time in the sun particularly in the hottest hours between the hours of 10am and 4pm8. 

Want to help out?

There are a number of ways that you can, either by simply making a donation to the vital research of the American Cancer Society or by getting involved in one of the fundraising events such as Daffodil Day, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Golf Tournaments, Galas and Relay for Life. At the Sydney, Australia Tony Ferguson head office, for three years in a row, we have held what is known as the Pink Ribbon Breakfast. Many staff members get involved by bringing in a plate of food and last year we even offered a hot breakfast. Staff wanting to eat something gave a donation and all donations were sent to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The event was enjoyed by all but more importantly we were able to raise a bit of money to help in the vital research needed for one of many cancers out there. So why not try organising one of these events at your work place! For more information, please visit the American Cancer Society web site.

 

References

  1. Cancer Council Australia, June 2008, Growing Cancer Knowledge Research Highlights [Online]. Available at http://www.cancer.org.au/File/PolicyPublications/ResearchHighlights.pdf [Accesses 4th February 2009].
  2. International Union Against Cancer, 4th February 2009, Cancer facts [Online]. Available at http://www.uicc.org/ [Accessed 6th February 2009].
  3. PR Newswire United Business Media, February 2009, World Cancer Day Highlights Link Between Overweight and Cancer [Online], Available at http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/02-04-2009/0004966334&EDATE= [Accessed 5th February 2009].
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2007, Sunburn Prevalence Among Adults - United States, 1999, 2003, and 2004. MMWR [Online] 56(21) p. 524-528. Available at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/557917_print [Accessed 6th February 2009].
  5. BBC News, February 2009, Obese cancer ‘explosion’ warning [Online]. Available at http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7866681.stm?ad=1 [Accessed 5th February, 2009]. 
  6. Cancer Council New South Wales, February 2009, Smoking and Cancer [Online]. Available at http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=372 [Accessed 6th February, 2009].
  7. Cancer Council New South Wales, February 2009, Check-ups and Screening Information [Online]. Available at http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=350 [Accessed 6th February, 2009].
  8. Cancer Council New South Wales, February 2009, Family History [Online]. Available at http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=359 [Accessed 6th February, 2009].
  9. CNN, February 4th 2009, Report: 'Shocking' number don't know obesity causes cancer [Online]. Available at http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/04/cancer.riskfactors/index.html?iref=24hours [Accessed 5th February, 2009].
  10. American Cancer society, 2008, Cancer Statistic 2008 – A Presentation from the American Cancer Society [Online]. Available at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/stt/stt_0.asp?from=fast [Accessed 6th February 2009].
  11. American Cancer Society, February 2009, Research Program and Funding [Online]. Available at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/res/res_0.asp?from=fast [Accessed 6th February 2009].


Last updated 17 June 2009