Celebrating World Cancer Day
Celebrating World Cancer Day – What You Can Do This Year
Despite modern medical advances, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It’s estimated as many as 10 million people die from cancer each year. Did you know that more than 40% of these cancer-related deaths could be preventable if people modified their lifestyles to lower their risk factors? February is National Cancer Prevention Month, with World Cancer Day on February 4. It’s a time to analyze how each of us has a role to play in controlling this devastating global disease. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC examines ways you can get involved to spread awareness and create change.
Inform Yourself About Common Cancer Types & Warning Signs
This year’s World Cancer Day theme is “Close the Care Gap.” Many are taking a closer look at cancer care in an effort to understand existing inequities in various parts of the world. The gaps in cancer care and public awareness affect everyone, including you and your loved ones. While organizations question the status quo and work together to reduce stigmas, you can educate yourself about the most common cancer types, including breast, cervical, prostate, colon, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, testicular, and thyroid.
Cancer tumors can be classified as benign, malignant, or precancerous. Benign tumors aren’t usually life-threatening. Malignant tumors may be aggressive and fast-growing, spreading quickly and affecting neighboring tissues. Precancerous tumors are abnormal cells your doctor may want to keep an eye on, as they could develop into cancer. Knowing the early warning signs of cancer can save lives. While the warning signs may vary by cancer type and individual, talk to your doctor if you notice any of these:
- Frequent fevers or infections
- Chronic headaches or coughing
- Persistent pain or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in skin, mouth, or breast appearance
- Unusual lumps
- Excessive bruising or bleeding
- Abnormal periods or pelvic pain
- Unusual bloating, stomach pain, or nausea
- Persistent constipation or diarrhea
- Blood in urine or stool
Spread the Word About the Importance of Cancer Screenings
Access to cancer information and care, including cancer screenings, can empower you and help you take a proactive stance on your healthcare this year. Cancer screenings detect various cancer types early enough for treatment to make a difference. Talk to your doctor to determine which cancer screenings may be appropriate for your age group based on your medical and family history and known risk factors.
Get Involved in Local Cancer Walks to Raise Research Funds
Getting involved on World Cancer Day can be as simple as posting prevention tips on social media or signing up for a local cancer walk/run in your community. Volunteers, walkers, and runners help raise money annually for cancer research and support, bringing hope to millions of cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. Search for events near you by visiting the American Cancer Society. Inspire others by creating your own World Cancer Day event, such as a fundraiser or free cancer screenings.
Honor Those Impacted by Cancer With Awareness Ribbons
Lastly, you can get involved on World Cancer Day by honoring those impacted by cancer with an awareness ribbon. Wearing awareness ribbons encourages conversations about cancer with your friends, family, colleagues, and social media networks. By opening the discussion, you can pay tribute to those you have lost to cancer, inform yourself and others about this disease and its effects, and more.
Raising Public Healthcare Awareness for the Past 50 Years
For the past 50 years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has raised public awareness to create proactive patients in New York and elsewhere. Our law firm concentrates on personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive more helpful healthcare insights for you and your loved ones throughout the year.