World Cancer Day 2021: Not Lung Cancer But Breast Cancer Is The World’s Most Common Type

World Cancer Day is celebrated each year on 4 February. World Cancer Day is being celebrated since 2000 when it was first established at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. This year’s theme is ‘I Am and I Will’, which is being continued since 2019.

It is an opportunity to rally the international community to raise attention and inspire action for a cancer-free future.  People all around the world are called upon to unite and fight against the disease by detection, early diagnosis, treatment and extending moral support.

A light purple or lavender ribbon is generally used to represent all cancers as a whole. Pink ribbons are synonymous with breast cancer awareness,

Cancer is one of the deadly diseases that is the cause of deaths globally. But can still be cured in the early stages. Yes, early detection is one of the best weapons against the disease. World Health Organisation reveals that breast cancer has now surpassed lung cancer as the world’s most commonly diagnosed cancer. Followed by Cervical and Ovarian Cancer.

Here are some of the warning signs women should not ignore for early detection of Cancer:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding:

Period lasting more than 7 days or passage of large blood clots while bleeding is considered as a heavy period, which is not normal. Bleeding in between the month is also a matter of concern.  Vaginal discharge which is blood-tinged or has an unpleasant odour. Get it checked immediately.

2. Bleeding after menopause:

If you witness spotting or bleeding after hitting menopause then it can be due to uterine or cervical cancer. Get it tested.

3. Unexplained weight loss and fatigue:

If you are losing weight at an alarming rate consider it as a sign.

4. Changes In Breasts:

Women should never ignore any mild or major lump in breasts or in armpits, nipple discharge apart from breast milk etc. They should be brought into the attention of your gynaecologist.

5. Sudden change in bowel or urinary habit:

Any bleeding while passing urine or motion is also a sign.

6. Abdominal Swelling:

Any kind of abdominal distention or swelling, indigestion, loss of appetite is also to be taken seriously.

What to do for early detection

A woman after the age of 21 or at least 25 needs to get a pap smear test once in 3 years, with or without HPV DNA testing. Breast cancer screening should start by 50 with yearly mammograms.

All those who have a family history of cancer should opt for these tests quite early in their life.