Globally, 1 in 6 deaths are cancer related [1].
8.2 million new cancer cases and 5.2 million cancer deaths were estimated in Southern, Eastern, and South-Eastern Asia in 2018, the majority of which were in China. Although cancer rates vary from country to country, this region alone corresponds to approximately half of the cancer burden worldwide [2].
All cancer sites combined incidence rates in Southern, Eastern, and South- Eastern Asia, age-standardized rate (world) per 100,000, both sexes combined, 2018.
Lung, colorectal, and breast cancer are the most common in the region, while lung, stomach, and liver cancer are the leading cause of death [2].
Estimated number of new cancer cases vs. death and distribution (%) by type (excludes non-melanoma skin cancer) in Southern, Eastern, and South-Eastern Asia, both sexes, 2018.
Copyright © 2019 The American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved
Although not all cancer is preventable, between 30-50% of cancer cases are [3].
The WHO recommends the following cancer prevention strategies:
Limit tobacco use and exposure
In general, tobacco is responsible for ~22% of cancer deaths [1].
Improve your diet and exercise
Eating nutritious food along with regular physical activity can limit obesity, which is linked to many oesophagus, colorectal breast, endometrium, & kidney [3].
Control alcohol intake
Cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Excess alcohol can contribute to liver, colorectal, oesophagus, larynx, pharynx, & oral cavity cancer. Smoking combined with excessive drinking can significantly increase cancer risk [3].
Keep up with vaccinations
Approximately 15% of all cancers are associated with infections [3]. It is estimated that vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV) & Hepatitis B alone could prevent 1 million cancer cases each year [1].
Limit exposure to pollution
Outdoor air pollution is responsible for more than 200,000 lung cancer deaths worldwide. Additionally, indoor air pollution, such as cooking with coal fires, doubles the risk of lung cancer [3].
Individuals in certain work fields may also be exposed more heavily to certain carcinogens, like asbestos, which is directly related to mesothelioma (a type of lung cancer) [3].
Reduce exposure to radiation
UV & solar radiation cause all major types of skin cancer; sunscreen & protective clothing should be worn to limit exposure [3].
Radiation can also be used for medical reasons, but should be properly performed & deemed medically necessary to reduce any needles harm [3].
The American Cancer Society created this helpful reminder of things to be aware of about your body [4]:
References:
[1]. Fact Sheet – Cancer [Internet]. World Health Organization (WHO). 2020 [cited 22 May 2020]. Available from:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
[2]. Southern, Eastern, & South-Eastern Asia [Internet]. The Cancer Atlas. 2019 [cited 22 May 2020]. Available from:
https://canceratlas.cancer.org/the-burden/south-east-se-asia/
[3]. Cancer prevention [Internet]. World Health Organization (WHO). 2020 [cited 22 May 2020]. Available from:
https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/en/
[4]. Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School. The 10 commandments of cancer prevention. [Internet]. 2019 [cited 22 May 2020];. Available from:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-10-commandments-of-cancer-prevention