World Cancer Day falls on February 4

20 m cancer patients by 2020 - WHO

by Ananda Kannangara

Cancer has become a global problem. It causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually in the world, especially in developing countries. A large number of persons also suffer from various cancerous ailments due to lack of treatment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 12.5 per cent deaths worldwide are caused by cancer, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

The WHO report also indicates that there were 10.1 million cancer patients in 2000 and among them 6.2 million deaths were reported. During the period 22.4 million lived with cancer. The report also states that there will be 20 million cancer patients in the world by 2020.

Cancer is a rapidly growing epidemic. It occurs when certain cells of the body grow and multiply at abnormal and uncontrollable rates. Cancer often forms as a tumour which is a mass of cancerous cells.

Cancer cells may also circulate through the blood. Cancerous cells may also spread to other parts of the body, which is known as metastasis.

In a recent interview with the Chairman, Education Committee of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society and retired Judge, Walter Ladduwahetty said there were different types of cancers and each should be treated differently.

He said cancer could be cured if early detention is made and added

that public awareness campaigns on cancer is vital to prevent the spread of the disease.

"The Health Department could play a major role in conducting awareness programs".

He said cancer could affect people of all ages and therefore people must be educated about the disease, the early detection and also the prevention methods. "Although the use of tobacco and smoking are the primary causes of cancer. Imbalance diet, stress, alcohol, change in lifestyle, betel, heroin and other dangerous drugs are causes for cancer. The Cancer Society has advised the younger generation to eat more natural food, vegetables, fruits and cereals and avoid eating processed meat and genetically modified food".

According to health reports, lung cancer in males and breast cancer in females are the common cancers worldwide. Other common cancers are leukaemia, bladder, colon and rectum, oral, colorectal, stomach, liver, prostate and cervix uteri.

Commenting on regular cancer awareness programs, conducted by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, Ladduwahetty said a program was launched recently with the assistance of qualified doctors for the benefit of nearly 800 employees in the Free Trade Zone.

He called upon the Government and other authorities to impose restrictions on smoking, selling tobacco products, ban sports events sponsored by tobacco companies and advertisements promoting tobacco.