Cancer will become number one killer by 2010, according world cancer report issued by World Health Organization. Heart diseases are now causing highest number of medical deaths in the world. People from poor and developing countries will suffer more due to changing diet habits, smoking and poor health care and non-availability of proper screening procedures. Cancer in 2010 will cause more deaths the combined death toll of AIDS, T.B and Malaria. Lung cancer due to smoking is the major reason for rising cancer deaths as mortality rate is very high in lung cancer. Cervical cancer is the major cause for cancer deaths in women in developing nations due to lack of screening to detect cancer in early stage and lack of vaccination against HPV. Cancer deaths are falling in developed nations due to proper health facilities, decline in smoking habit, regular screening, vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis, better cancer awareness and affordability to take cancer treatment. Adoption of Western habits like eating junk food, lack of exercise and increase in bad habits like smoking and alcoholism are leading causes for increase in cancer in developing nations like India and China. Cancer statistics: 1. About 12 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in this year. 8 million people will die due to cancer in 2008. 2. About 27 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed by 2030, according to World Cancer Report. 17 million deaths occur due to cancer. 3. Lung cancer has highest mortality rate among all major cancers. Cancer and Smoking: 40% of smokers are living in India and China out of 1.3 billion smokers in the world. Smoking causes lung cancer which kills more people than any other type of cancer. Governments of developing nations should provide free screening procedures to all women to prevent deaths from diseases like cervical cancer and breast cancer. They should do mass scale vaccination against Hepatitis and HPV. … [Read more...]
Cancer deaths will rise in elderly patients
Number of cancer patients aged 65 or above would double by 2030, according to World Health Organization. New cancer cases may increase from 10.9 million in 2002 to about 16 million in 2020. Cancer deaths would rise from 6.7 million in 2002 to 10.3 million in 2020. 30% of these cancer deaths are in elder patients aged above 75. Lack of awareness about latest developments in cancer research and treatment options making elder patients are worst sufferers. Another major reason for these deaths is lack of proper treatment. Cancer patients aged above 65 generally not adhere to complex cancer regimes. Memory problems and lack of social support are the reasons behind this non-compliance. Most of these old patients live in socially isolated atmosphere. These patients can’t bear the cost of treatment especially in developing countries. Change in lifestyle habits of people from developing countries is another reason behind this cancer time bomb. Increases in smoking, alcoholism and junk food consumption are triggers for this rise in cancer cases. Governments need to allocate more budget on health expenditure and provide free treatment for patients aged above 65. People from developed countries are utilizing advanced cancer treatments in preventing cancer deaths. But people of developing nations unable to utilize these drug regimes due to lack of awareness and money. According to some reports, 30 African and Asian countries do not even have radiotherapy machines. It is waste to expect quality care in these countries. … [Read more...]
Cancer cases are on rise in Asian countries
Cancer cases are increasing in Asian countries due to increased adaptation of western habits like eating junk foods, smoking and alcoholism even in females. According to some studies, there will be 60% increase in cancer incidence in Asian countries. Increased industrialization (pollution), low literacy rates and poor health care standards are other major reasons for increased cancer rates. Screening tests for cancer are rarely done in poor Asian countries due to low quality of health care. Rising economic standards and globalisation added fuel to the fire. Cancer statistics: 45% of cancer deaths are reported from Asia-Pacific countries. If proper measures are not taken, this will rise to 70% by 2020. China alone accounts for 20% new cancer cases and is the 2nd most cause of medical deaths in China. Due to increased screening and preventive measures, cancer deaths are in decline in Western countries. According to World health organisation (WHO), 40% CANCERS are preventable by good diet habits, exercise and stay away from smoking. Smoking is the major reason for these deaths with Lung Cancer is the number one cancer in Asian countries followed by stomach and liver cancers. Hepatitis B Viral infection is the major reason for liver cancer. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is another cancer causative factor. How to control cancer incidence and prevent cancer deaths? 1. Lack of screening facilities like Mammogram and Pap smear in poor Asian countries. 2. Increase in smoking and Alcoholism in Asian countries especially China and India.3. Non-availability of vaccines against HPV and Hepatitis B in poor countries.4. Poor health care standards and economic standards.5. Expensive chemotherapy is not affordable to poor Asians.6. Low illiteracy levels there by lack of health education.7. Asian Governments need to spend more money to raise health care standards.8. Governments should ban smoking in public places and in movies and relative ads in other popular mediums. Don’t forget 40% cancer cases are preventable. … [Read more...]
Occupational Cancer deaths are on rise
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 0.2 million cancer deaths are due to their work place. Majority of these cancer deaths are due to Asbestos fibres, Benzene and second-hand smoke. Most of these cancer deaths are occurring in the developed world. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on 28 April. The United Nations health agency marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work with a call for the removal cancer causing substances (Carcinogens) from workplaces. WHO laid more emphasis on these deaths because 90% these deaths are preventable. According to World Health Organisation, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and Bladder Cancer are the most common occupational cancers. 10% Lung cancer deaths are due to occupational hazards and around 90,000 deaths are due to asbestos fibres. The UN agency said 10% of lung cancer deaths are due to occupational hazards, and about 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos at work, leading to at least 90,000 deaths each year. Mesothelioma is the cancer caused due to asbestos. Benzene, an inorganic compound used in rubber, dyes, drugs, diamonds and pesticide industries, is responsible for thousands of deaths due to leukaemia. Those who are exposed to second hand smoke are twice the risk of lung cancer than those in a smoke free environment. What is more pity is all these deaths are preventable causes of cancer. Governments should ban smoking in work places and crowded public places. There should be incentives for those companies who are providing strict and hygienic work environment. … [Read more...]
Breast Cancer in Females – Causes
Breast cancer in females occupies second place among all the cancers in Indians as per the world Health organization‘s (WHO) report. It is reported that 80,000 females are affected by breast Cancer in 2002. With increase in disposable income and change in diet and life style, Breast cancer is on rise among Indians. Causes of Breast Cancer: 1. Not taking preventive measures. 2. If mother and sisters are also having the history of the breast cancer. 3. Infertility. 4. Who become pregnant after attaining 30 years of age. 5. Menopause after50 years of age. 6. Increase in weight after menopause. 7. Taking H.R.T.(Hormone Replacement therapy) 8. Menarche (first menstrual cycle) at the age of 12 years. 9. On oral contraceptive pills for more than 5 years. 10. Taking more fatty diet. Prevention of Breast Cancer: 1. Every woman has to check her breasts personally after attaining 30 years of age. 2. Monthly once, fix a day or date for testing her self the breasts. Consult the doctor if you find any of the following symptoms and signs: 1. When touch by the hand, if you find any change in the size and structure of the breast. 2. Any swelling or solid mass, redness in the breasts. 3. Itching sensation and Utricaria on the nipple or around it. 4. In drawing of the nipples. 5. Any secretion from the nipples. 6. Pain in the breasts, not relating to menstrual cycle time. Test: Mammogram: This test should be done annually from 30 years onwards especially in women who are at risk. Follow the natural rules in marriage, having children and breast feeding. Reduce fat diet and take more vegetables and fruits. Stay away from fast foods. … [Read more...]
