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“If we only had diagnosed it earlier” the weight of this regret is immeasurable. The many what-ifs is a pain I wish no one had to endure. Several lost their lives to cancer just because it wasn’t found in time. I can't put enough emphasis on catching cancer early on.
That’s because early detection means more time, memories with loved ones, and maybe a second chance at life. Hence, I take World Cancer Day as a chance to spread awareness about regular screening for cancer. And most importantly how it’s the life-changing difference between survival and death.
The Impact of Early Detection on Cancer Survival Rates: A Must-Share Perspective on World Cancer Day
Since half of cancer cases are discovered at a highly advanced stage, according to several cancer research studies, the cancer has enough time to spread to other body parts risking the lives of many. This complicates the treatment with the need for chemotherapy and life-risking surgeries at an advanced stage. This takes a toll on both physical and mental health.
But the sad thing is the cost of treatment is higher for advanced-stage cancer and survival rates are lower. At this stage, the disease might not respond to therapies anymore. So all the resources, physical pain, and mental health suffering go in vain. And by chance, if treatment works still there’s no guarantee that cancer will not return. This leaves the patients with less hope for recovery and life.
Alternatively, if a patient is fortunate enough to diagnose cancer early, there is a greater chance of eradicating cancer cells from the body. The survivability rate is also higher. The best thing is that treatments are less rigorous and painful, and they cost less than treating cancer in its later stages.
This is something I have seen firsthand in my family. Unfortunately, my uncle had cancer, but he was fortunate to get an early diagnosis. This made it easier for surgeons to successfully remove the cancer and more affordable for my uncle. Thank heavens, he is now cancer-free. The relief we all felt when we realized how fortunate he was to have been diagnosed with the disease sooner is unmatchable.
Hence, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, I want to request everyone to commit. Commit to regular cancer screenings and early check-ups. The screenings may cost a little but in the long run, it could prevent cancer, lakhs on treatment, and most importantly early death. So, make this commitment and ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Sharing Life-Saving Information About Screening on World Cancer Day
As World Cancer Day approaches, let's discuss how cancer screenings have proven to save lives over the last 45 years. A cancer research paper was published in JAMA Oncology in 2024.
According to this new cancer research, breakthroughs in screening have averted more than 4.75 million deaths from five major cancer types, which are the primary causes of cancer-related deaths. These include breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancers.
The problem with cancer is that it is often asymptomatic in its initial phases. Even if there are symptoms, they are usually slight headaches, fatigue, or other symptoms. Since we consider them normal thinking they are because of flu or weather changes we ignore them. This allows cancer to progress complicating the treatment. As a result, regular screenings are important to detect cancer before time even before symptoms appear, improving the survival rate.
The most common and important screenings include mammograms for breast cancer, low-dose CT scans for lung cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, PSA testing for prostate cancer, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer.
However, other screenings are equally vital, even if they do not account for the majority of cancer-related fatalities. These include blood testing for ovarian, pancreatic, and liver cancer, skin checks for melanoma, and biopsies for the rest of the body.
This World Cancer Day, visit an accredited healthcare diagnostic center to have yourself and your family checked for different cancer types. This will help you all avoid this life-taking disease.
Raising Awareness for Early Detection: World Cancer Day's Crucial Role
Celebrating World Cancer Day is meaningful only if we learn and raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening in improving survival rates. Hence, look out for signs such as unexplained weight loss, problems in swallowing, persistent cough, skin problems, unusual lumps, compromised bowel movement and bladder habits, etc. If you experience any, immediately reach out to your doctor.
Further, stand up to cancer day by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Firstly, strictly follow no smoking, no alcohol habit at any cost. Eat nutritious balanced meals and cut back on junk food and aerated beverages. Stay active, maintain your weight, and protect your skin from excessive sun exposure. All these together reduce your chances of getting cancer, saving you from all the related miseries and your life.
Words of Wisdom
This blog taught us the importance of detecting cancer early and increasing our chances of survival. However, I'm sure many of you still struggle to get yourself and your family screened owing to various barriers. These include the cost of testing, limited facilities in your area, and, worst of all, the fear of test findings.
To address this, reach out to your trusted healthcare provider and seek guidance. And as far as cost is concerned, know that little spending now will save you lakhs and health in the future so don’t let the cost discourage you.
As we strive to promote awareness for early detection on World Cancer Day, we must realize that there are some people, especially kids who are lucky to get timely cancer diagnosis.
However, their poverty-stricken parents can’t afford their treatment, risking their survival rates. We are helping them by all means still we are falling short. We request your help in saving these innocent kids. Kindly donate for their desperate treatment needs. Donate now and save a life.
Thank you for standing with us in this fight!