India honors August 15th as a national holiday, recalling its independence from the British Empire. One question that needs more focus is the connection between independence and health. Today, one of the most putrid threats to humanity is cancer. It is considered a plague in hundreds of nations. A cloud of mediocrity settles over everything whenever the disease is brought up. Our mission is quite clear: to speak about cancer and its implications.
According to the blog “Independence Day Special – Freedom From Cancer,” The phrase’ freedom from cancer’ stands for something louder. It brings vision to the outreach about the funding of research, the importance of which can’t be underestimated. Modifying one’s lifestyle, consuming proper nutrition, frequent physical activity, and taking preventive measures will defeat the scourge. People play an integral part, too. They need to mobilize to educate themselves and each other about their purposes in life. So, let’s team up and fight! Let’s make sure the whole world awakens one day without being afraid of this thing called cancer.
The Fight Against Cancer
Cancer has emerged as a pandemic that knows no age, gender, or social class. In the face of such an alarming threat, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a cancer-combatting entity, is devoted to researching the required nature. They aim to improve methods for cancer prevention and early detection, as well as methods of treatments, for people to live longer, older, and healthier lives. The NCI calls for collective efforts because cancer is not just a medical issue but a communal problem. Their objectives are to ensure that scientists are backed and that information is disseminated on cancer to give timely and adequate care to all people.
Historical Context
Medical advancements regarding cancer have occurred over the years, and in 1937, a body specifically for cancer control was established due to the need Congress recognized. This body was named the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Because of its historical importance, this was the first instance in which the federal government allocated funds to combat the spread of an infectious disease.
In 1971, President Nixon also authorized nationality cancer, which indicated an even greater effort in the war against cancer. He termed this initiative the ‘war on cancer.’ The outline sought to establish a nationwide plan that would direct multidisciplinary efforts toward advancing scientific knowledge and coordination in cancer management.
Understanding Cancer
Cancer can be defined as a malignant disease that results when cells in the human system grow in an aberrant manner. There are over 100 types of cancer, and cancers vary in causes as well as treatment. Prostate cancer, which only affects men; lung cancer, which is typical of smokers; breast cancer, which affects a significant portion of women; and colon cancer, which affects the intestines, are the most prevalent cancer kinds. It is beneficial to study these cancers as it assists in coming up with suitable remedies for the ailment and ways to prevent this from occurring. Knowing how these diseases operate is vital in the quest to maintain health.
Risk Factors
A few factors can elevate the risk of an individual getting cancer. Another factor contributing to the development of breast cancer is the genetic history of the family, and in pure epidemiological terms, this is what genetic predisposition is all about; if there is a case in the family of a person who has cancer, then many times chances are the individual might have the chances genetically to develop the condition due to the genes inherited from the parents.
An equally significant factor is the manner of life that is led. Appropriate and responsible smoking behavior and alcohol consumption, pernicious literature, and a sedentary lifestyle – all these habits contribute to an increased risk of oncological diseases. Taking chances and being exposed to risks, including chemicals and radiation, as well as environmental pollution, also form part of the factors contributing to cancer.
Finally, some infectious agents that are viral or bacterial in origin are also associated with certain cancers; for example, the HPV virus is related to cervical cancer.
The Importance of Research
Cancer is a disease that plagues hundreds of people worldwide. Research is one critical method of cancer intervention. Some charitable organizations, such as the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), try to assist scientists in discovering new directions in cancer therapy and prevention.
If more processes of this disease are comprehended, a more efficient method of treating cancer can be realized; innovative medications and therapeutic approaches are bound to emerge. NFCR funds cancer research projects in universities and hospitals worldwide, allowing many scientists to uncover significant cancer-related facts. When put into practice, such analysis can turn into novel concepts and solutions that improve cancer patients’ lives.
Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment
Through technological procedures, clinicians can now treat patients with greater proficiency. Two examples of advances in treatments are of great interest and promise: targeted therapies and immunotherapies. First, targeted therapies are agents designed only to attack cancerous cells, sparing normal healthy cells from damage.
Second, immunotherapies are so-called because they harness the immune system’s power to eliminate cancer. To this end, such therapies sometimes require clinical trials. These are important because clinical trials aim to assess the effectiveness of the therapies’ methods before their actual routine use. New ways of thinking per se are also precious, and oncologists need a place to test new ideas—clinical trials serve that purpose.
Prevention Strategies
Both the treatment of cancer and the prevention of its occurrence are equally important. In terms of self-care and minimizing the risk of developing cancer, here are some steps with all the practical aspects:
- Regular Health Surveillance: Routine examinations are dynamic and enable physicians to diagnose cancer at a treatable stage. So, if something is amiss, it can be remedied sooner rather than later.
- Standard of Living: These two things should be done. And it would go a long way.
- Well-balanced and Healthy Diet: Eating fruits, veggies, grains, and lean meat appropriately can significantly improve our health and lower the risk of getting cancer.
- Exercising: With exercise, weight goes to the average level that protects from several cancer types.
- Avoiding Tobacco Use: Tobacco use tops the list of the major contributors to lung cancer, as well as many other types; thus, making an effort to quit this habit or, better yet, make it a point to never pick it up in the first place, should be an aim.
- Vaccinations: The documentation of vaccines like the HPV vaccine defends against illnesses and even some forms of cancer.
Community Support
Community engagement should not be ignored in the battle against cancer. Some events, such as National Cancer Awareness Day, are organized periodically, mobilizing the masses to be more proactive in knowing the disease and ways to avert it. This day falls on November 7th; its primary purpose is to raise awareness of the need for appropriate check-ups and screenings, as early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives.
Furthermore, hearing or reading from cancer survivors may instill faith in some. They demonstrate that people can help themselves stay healthy and help others do the same with support and guidance. Others focus on ways to combat cancer, and in this respect, education is critical in the fight, especially when there is unity.
Survivor Stories
Hearing that courage and strength can help one overcome wartime struggles and become stronger is always inspiring. These sentiments, in particular, resonated with Yuvraj Singh, a celebrated Indian cricketer, firmly when he fought against mediastinal seminoma as a cancer patient. As a survivor of this rare type of cancer, he has inspired millions and encouraged many to look out for early signs of cancer and be financially prepared for it if the need arises.
Such inspirational stories educate society and promote a sense of belonging amongst those affected by it. Yuvraj, being a fighter and a survivor of cancer, reminds everyone, including himself, of the importance of hope and support while eclipsed in darkness.
Celebrating Freedom from Cancer
Independence Day is a day to rejoice, not just because it is a national holiday but also to recognize how hard people have worked to stop cancer. It’s not only about developing newer medicines and treatments; even more essential activities must be done to educate people on cancer teaching and detection skills. Having people educated on the key issues is how we advocate for health promotion and disease prevention. These are the policies we can implement together to transform the future and improve the health of numerous people.
Call to Action
Everybody can participate in the fight against cancer!
- Get Involved: Participate in local events or fundraising to support cancer research organizations. This is an excellent chance to broaden your social circle and, quite notably, extend your scope in society.
- Educate Yourself: Having an awareness of health is always a proactive approach. It is wise to go for a check-up regularly as several issues may go unidentified.
- Support Others: In case some of your friends or relatives have cancer, participating in their emotional strife and supporting them will mean a lot.
Sometimes, the best medicine a person can take is to be listened to or cheered on. First, let’s make a difference. Every action counts, and everyone can be helpful.
Conclusion
We should be optimistic when assisting in the battle against cancer. Investing resources in research, finding new preventive strategies, telling stories of those who have overcome the disease, and encouraging one another in our communities can all help in the need for fewer people serving cancer. With that said, this year, we observe our victory as a nation. Let us aspire to remain strong against this disease – because there’s no reason a person should fear falling sick ever.
In conclusion, we choose to be accessible on this important day, which should also be from diseases like cancer. If we do this, there will be nothing to stand in our way of building a society where people have access to information about cancer prevention, early detection of the disease, treatment, and finally, cures.
Sources:
https://www.nfcr.org/blog/independence-from-cancer/
https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-cancer-institute-nci
https://www.worldcancerday.org
https://www.cancer.gov/research/progress/250-years-milestones