Cancer according to Who: Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs; the latter process is referred to as metastasis. Widespread metastases are the primary cause of death from cancer.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The most common in 2020 (in terms of new cases of cancer) were:
breast – 2.26 million cases
lung – 2.21 million cases
colon and rectum – 1.93 million cases
prostate -1.41 million cases
skin (non-melanoma) – 1.20 million cases and
stomach -1.09 million cases.
The most common causes of cancer death in 2020 were:
lung -1.80 million deaths
colon and rectum -916 000 deaths
liver – 830 000 deaths
stomach -769 000 deaths and
Breast -685 000 deaths.
Each year, approximately 400 000 children develop cancer. The most common cancers vary between countries. Cervical cancer is the most common in 23 countries.
Avoiding tobacco use can lower your risk of getting cancer.
Keeping an appropriate body weight.
Consuming a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Engaging in regular physical activity
Evoiding or limiting alcohol consumption.
Obtaining HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations if you are a member of a group for which immunization is advised.
Avoiding ultraviolet radiation exposure (which primarily results from exposure to the sun and artificial tanning devices) and/or using sun protection measures.
Ensuring safe and appropriate use of radiation in health care (for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes).
Minimizing occupational exposure to ionizing radiation; and
Meducing exposure to outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution, including radon (a radioactive gas produced from the natural decay of uranium, which can accumulate in buildings — homes, schools and workplaces).
THE BEST FOODS THAT CAN HELP TO FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
There are foods that are highly beneficial to human health and these 7 foods have some surprising cancer-fighting benefits!
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are classified as vegetables in the food world, but they are not technically plants. They belong to the fungi kingdom. Although they are not vegetables, mushrooms provide several important nutrients. The edible mushrooms can slow the growth of breast cancer.
A GREEN TEA
The world’s healthiest alcoholic beverage is allegedly green tea. It is packed with minerals and anti-oxidants that have a significant impact on the body. Additionally, they might aid in preventing skin, stomach, colon, prostate, and breast cancers because to their antioxidant content.
FATTY FISH
Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel, these types of fish contain Omega-3 fats and these are very effective in battling cancer, also, for protection against contains cancer-fighting omega-3 fats. They are also very low in Mercury which is very healthy to humans.
BLACK BEANS
Legumes are what black beans fall under. Black beans, which are often referred to as turtle beans due to their hard, shell-like appearance, are the plant’s edible seeds. They include triterpenoids and anthocyanins, two potent antioxidants that aid in the battle against cancer.
Chilli peppers
Members of the nightshade family, including bell peppers and tomatoes, include chilli peppers. There are numerous types of chili pepper, including the cayenne and jalapeo. Chili peppers can be cooked or dried and powdered, and their main usage is as a spice. Paprika is a red chili pepper that has been powdered. Researchers have found evidence that the capsaicin in chilli peppers kills cancer cells. Consequently, you can add this to your meals.
DARK LEAFY GREENS
Dark leafy greens such as Kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, arugula to mention a few are very beneficial for cancer prevention. The dark leafy greens contain lutein and beta-carotene which may help prevent breast cancer. They also help in the prevention of other forms of cancer.
In 2017, the World Health Assembly passed the Resolution Cancer prevention and control in the context of an integrated approach (WHA70.12) that urges governments and WHO to accelerate action to achieve the targets specified in the Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013-2020 and the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development to reduce premature mortality from cancer.
WHO and IARC collaborate with other UN organizations, inlcuing the International Atomic Energy Agency, and partners to:
increase political commitment for cancer prevention and control
coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis
monitor the cancer burden (as part of the work of the Global Initiative on Cancer Registries
identify “best buys” and other cost-effective, priority strategies for cancer prevention and control
develop standards and tools to guide the planning and implementation of interventions for prevention, early diagnosis, screening, treatment and palliative and survivorship care for both adult and child cancers