World Cancer Day is the one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. It takes place every year on 4 February.
This year, in celebration of World Cancer Day, experts advice individuals to attend regular checkups.
Many people believe they should see their doctor only when they are sick, or dying.
However that is not the case, many Doctors urge individuals to educate and empower themselves about their own health. It is important to seek medical advice on how to live a healthy lifestyle. And how to lower your risk of various conditions or diseases by maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and level of physical activity.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization. An estimation of 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths, in 2018. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.
With the available data, it is estimated that in 2020, almost 110,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in South Africa, with more than 56,000 cancer-related deaths, representing a quarter of premature noncommunicable disease–related mortality.
Doctors are also requesting that patients get regular check-ups to help stay on top of their health. They are highlighting the importances of prevention, as a means to reduce the number of patients requiring medical treatment or surgery.
Regular check-ups can help find potential health issues before they become a problem. When you see your doctor regularly, they are able to detect health conditions or diseases early. “And the earlier the cancer is found, the much better chance of survival you may have.” Early detection gives you the best chance for getting the right treatment quickly, avoiding any complications. By getting the correct health services, screenings, and treatment you are taking important steps toward living a longer, healthier life.
The benefits of regular check-ups include:
- Reduce your risk of getting sick
- Detect potentially life-threatening health conditions or diseases early
- Increase chances for treatment and cure
- Limit risk of complications by closely monitoring existing conditions
- Increase lifespan and improve health
- Reduce healthcare costs over time by avoiding costly medical services
- Form a good partnership with the doctor so treatment can be more efficient
- Get updated on new medical information or technologies that are available
Preventive health screening checklist for adults
- Annual well-visit (annually)
- Family history
- Blood pressure
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Physical exam
- Preventive screening
- Counseling
- Cancer screenings (as recommended)
- Colorectal
- Skin
- Breast (women)
- Cervical (women)
- Testicular and Prostate (men)
- Sensory screenings
- Eyesight
- Hearing (only if symptoms arise)
- Immunizations
- Tetanus, Diptheria (Tdap)
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal
- MMR
- Meningococcal
- Varicella
- Shingles
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus Influenza Type B
World Cancer Day aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
The World Health Organization reported that in many countries where health systems are strong, survival rates of many types of cancers are improving thanks to accessible early detection, quality treatment and survivorship care.
Also see: World Health Organization reinforces mental health issues at work
