Importance of cancer awareness
WORLD Cancer Day is observed annually on Februaru 4, to increase global awareness of the killer disease. Cancer awareness has become exceedingly important in the 21st century.
While there have been numerous advancements in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer — factors that should contribute to the decline of the disease — the number of new cancer cases diagnosed each year has globally continued to increase.
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.
According to health.gov.fj, cancer is one of the four main non-communicable diseases in Fiji and around the world.
Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases.
Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control.
Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and death.
Cancer has become a global epidemic and affects people of all ages.
Unfortunately, cancer cases in Fiji have steadily increased over the past several years and it is now the third most common cause of death in Fiji.
In Fiji, statistics reveal that there is mostly an increasing incidence of breast, cervix and other reproductive tract cancers in women. In men cancers such as prostate, liver, rectum and lung cancer are becoming more common.
Cancer in Fiji
Though there are many different types of cancer and cancer sites, recent statistics (taken from the Ministry of Health's 2013 Annual Report) indicate that the most common cancers in Fiji are;
Top five cancer sites in Men;
1. Liver
2. Prostate
3. Lung
4. Stomach
5. Colon
Top five cancer sites in Women;
1. Cervix (Reproductive system)
2. Breast
3. Uterus (Reproductive system)
4. Ovary (Reproductive system)
5. Liver
How does Cancer start?
Cancer starts when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. Cancer cell growth is different from normal cell growth. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells. Cancer cells can also invade (grow into) other tissues, something that normal cells cannot do.
Growing out of control and invading other tissues are what makes a cell a cancer cell.
Cancer cells often travel to other parts of the body where they can grow and form new tumors.
This happens when the cancer cells get into the body's bloodstream or lymph vessels.
Over time, the tumors replace normal tissue, crowd it, or push it aside. The process of cancer spreading is called metastasis.
What causes Cancer?
Cancer is a very complex group of diseases with many potential causes.
There are several known factors that can increase your risk of cancer, many of which are lifestyle factors that are within your control to change.
Known causes of cancer include:
*Genetics *Tobacco Use *Bad Diet *Physical Inactivity *Sun and UV exposure *Radiation *Other Carcinogens causes) (environmental
How can I reduce my Risk of Cancer?
Leading a healthy lifestyle is a very good way to reduce your risk of cancer, looking at the above list of known causes, there are some very clear steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer, and also lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. These are: *Don't use tobacco:
*Eat a healthy diet:
*Be active and maintain healthy weight: *Reduce/moderate alcohol intake: *Practice safe sex and avoid risky behaviours:
*Get Immunised (HPV and hepatitis) and *Know your family medical history and get regular screenings
Ministry of Health: Action on Cancer
The Health Ministry remains committed towards the reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality, improving the survival rates of cancer cases and improving the quality of life of cancer victims.
Since 2009 the Ministry of Health has made vast improvements in terms of new advocacy and prevention programs including;
*Improved national database in collating cancer statistics.
*A newly set up liquid Cytology screening lab.
*Introduction of HPV virus vaccination initiative supported by the Fiji and Australian Governments.
*V.I.A (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Cyro-cautery) as cost effective means to treat precancerous lesions on the cervix undergoing trials.
*A rudimentary Domiciliary Palliative Service is operational in Suva and the West with the support of the Fiji Cancer Society.
*Fiji has become a member state of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Commission will be here to assist in the establishment of a cancer hospital supported by the government, (the first of its kind in the Pacific Region).
Having a Cancer Hospital will centralise all the relevant treatment and management protocols and provide a serene environment for patients and families.
*The Ministry of Health through its Wellness Concept has continuously advocated and created awareness on cancer prevention and control program through healthy lifestyle.
*The Ministry of Health is working with the International Women Agencies and is the final stages of setting up a wellness center for women in Suva.
We are also working in partnership with UNFPA and other agencies towards the setting up of a wellness center in Lautoka.
This center will provide awareness, information and services to women on sexual, reproductive health, cancer screenings and counseling sessions.