Today, it is rare to find someone who has not been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. World Cancer Day is a moment to support those battling this disease and to raise awareness. This day is dedicated to remembering those we've lost, encouraging new goals for prevention and care, and inspiring hope for a future with fewer cancer cases in society.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, following cardiovascular diseases. The burden is especially heavy in populations and countries facing socio-economic disadvantages. World Cancer Day serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment, which significantly increases the chances of survival and reduces the spread of the disease.
It is estimated that one-third of cancer cases are preventable, and many others can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. While some risk factors like genetics are beyond our control, many lifestyle factors can significantly reduce cancer risk. These include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, staying physically active, and getting regular sun exposure in moderation.
Medical advancements now offer various treatment options including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical intervention. Additionally, HPV vaccination has proven to prevent certain cancers.
What Can You Do Today?
You can start by educating yourself and those around you. Every year, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organizes global events to raise awareness. If each person takes the time to learn and share knowledge, we can detect cancer earlier and save lives. Survivors can also provide hope by sharing their experiences through online platforms or support groups, helping others overcome fear and anxiety.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases that develop when damaged or abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors, either in localized or distant tissues. Under normal conditions, cells divide only when necessary and die when they are old or damaged. In cancer, this balance is disrupted—cells multiply unnecessarily and old cells avoid natural death (apoptosis), forming masses known as tumors. Most cancers create solid tumors, while cancers like leukemia do not.
Cancer cells differ from normal cells in their ability to:
Divide uncontrollably
Resist apoptosis
Invade surrounding tissues
Influence nearby cells to form blood vessels for nourishment (angiogenesis)
Evade the immune system
Cancers originate in a specific organ but can spread via the bloodstream or lymphatic system, forming metastases in other organs. For instance, colon cancer commonly metastasizes to the liver, while prostate cancer tends to spread to bones.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer arises when oncogenes (genes that promote cell division) are activated by mutations caused by carcinogens, viruses, or radiation. Conversely, tumor suppressor genes (anti-oncogenes) like p53 or Rb prevent uncontrolled growth. When these genes are mutated, the risk of cancer increases.
Differences Between Cancer and Normal Cells
Cancer cells:
Are less specialized
Divide continuously
Avoid natural cell death
Manipulate the tumor microenvironment
Suppress immune detection
Risk Factors for Cancer
Although the exact causes are still being studied, known risk factors include:
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Prolonged sun exposure
Radiation and X-rays
Exposure to chemicals (tar, asbestos, paints, benzene)
Certain viruses (HPV, Hepatitis)
Bacterial infections (H. pylori)
Air pollution
Poor diet and high-fat intake
Stress and inactivity
Dietary habits alone can influence cancer development by 30–70%. Simple changes in lifestyle and nutrition can reduce this risk.
Symptoms of Cancer
Knowing cancer symptoms is vital for early diagnosis, which improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Common symptoms include:
Persistent fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or night sweats
Persistent pain (localized or generalized)
Skin changes, unusual moles or warts
Persistent cough or bloody sputum
Bleeding (nose, throat, genitals)
Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness
Abdominal bloating
Breast or genital changes
Visible or palpable lumps
⚠️ These symptoms do not always indicate cancer but should be evaluated by a specialist.
Breast Self-Examination
Women should perform monthly breast self-examinations. Warning signs include:
Lumps or nodules
Nipple discharge or inversion
Skin dimpling or thickening (orange peel texture)
Redness or swelling
Newly developed asymmetry
Enlarged lymph nodes or arm swelling
Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer diagnosis must be made by a specialist. If symptoms are present, see a doctor promptly. Tumor marker tests are also used for early screening and treatment monitoring.
Available Tumor Marker Tests at Our Clinic:
CEA – Mainly for colorectal cancer, also lung, breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer
CA 125 – Ovarian cancer; also rises during pregnancy or menstruation
HE4 – Advanced ovarian cancer detection
ROMA – Ovarian risk prediction (pre-/post-menopause)
CA 15-3 – Breast cancer (used for monitoring, not early diagnosis)
CA 19-9 & CA 242 – Pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers
AFP – Liver cancer marker, also checked during pregnancy
PSA (Total & Free) – Prostate cancer
Beta-HCG – Testicular and ovarian tumors
Thyroglobulin – Thyroid cancer
Occult blood (Gregersen test) – Colorectal cancer screening
NSE – Small-cell lung carcinoma, neuroblastoma
CYFRA 21-1 – Lung, esophageal, bladder cancer
CA 72-4 – Gastric and ovarian adenocarcinomas
CA 50 – Colorectal cancer
For more information or to book a test, contact our Call Center at (012) 910 or reach us on WhatsApp at (055) 4000 910.
You can also register online for a full consultation or lab screening.