Question

list and explain 6 reasons why cancer is a preventable disease.

Answer 1

According to World Health Organization 30-50 % of all cancer cases are preventable. The basic approach of cancer prevention is through primary and secondary prevention.

Avancing knowledge has increased our understanding of causative factors of some cancers and it is now possible to control these factors in the general population as well as in particular occupational groups.

1. Cancer is a lifestyle disease

Control of tobacco and alcohol consumption

It has been estimated that control of tobacco smoking alone would reduce the total burden of cancer by over a million cancer each ear

Improved Personal hygiene

Personal hygiene .may lead to declines in the incidence of certain types of cancer

Eg: Cancer cervix

Improved Immunization

In the case of primary liver cancer, immunization against hepatitis B virus presents an exciting prospect.

2.Cancer is an occupational disease.

Control of Radiation and occupational Exposure reduces the risk of cancer

Special efforts should be made to reduce the as amount of radiation (including the medical radiation) received by each individual to a minimum with out reducing benefits. Measures to protect workers from exposure to industrial carcinogens should be enforced in industries.

3. Environmental carcinogens can be controlled.

Control of air and plastic pollution, legislation to control known environmental carcinogens, food, cosmetic and drug related legislations or acts also helps in the prevention of cancer.

4. Through proper cancer education cancer can be prevented

Education to high-risk groups minimise the chances of cancer.

5. Cancer can prevent through proper treatment of precancerous lesions

Early detection and prompt treatment of precancerous lesions such as cervical tears ,intestinal polyps, warts,chronic gastritis , chronic cervicitis, adenomata is one of the cornerstones of cancer prevention.

6. Cancer can be prevented through proper screening

Early detection and prompt treatment provide the best possible protection against cancer for the individual and the community.

Eg:

Screening of cancer cervix through PAP smear, screening of breast cancer( BSE) , screening of lung cancer ( chest radiograph, sputum cytology), mass screening,