World Cancer Day: 25 Facts About Cancer You Probably Didn’t Know

Cancer is no longer a disease that affects others. It has already become one of the most common health risks in the modern world today, despite the numerous advancements in the field of medicine and science.

25 Cancer Facts You Should Know And Act On

1. Around the world, more than 20,000 people die each day due to cancer.
2. Those who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk of breast cancer than those who are not.
3. More people die of cancer than the combined number of people who die of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
4. Almost any part of your body can get affected with cancer, as there are more than 100 types of cancer that are known.
5. If you are looking at family medical history for breast cancer, make sure to look at your father’s side too.
6. Stress and anxiety are powerful triggers for breast cancer.
7. The top most common types of cancer that cause death in men are lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer and cancer of the esophagus.
8. The top most common types of cancer that cause death in women are breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.
9. Almost 30 percent of all cancer cases can be prevented by following a healthy diet and lifestyle.
10. Those who do not get enough sleep are at a higher risk of colon cancer.
11. Less than 5 percent of cancers are related to genetics.
12. Around the world, more than 40 children are diagnosed with cancer.
13. There are more than 4,800 chemicals in a single cigarette, of which at least 69 are known as causing cancer.
14. Some super foods that can destroy cancer cells include turmeric, garlic, green tea, berries and red wine.
15. Sunscreens that keep out UV rays such as OMC actually end up causing cancer, as they turn toxic on coming in contact with the sun and increase risk of cancer.
16. Women who are regular drinkers are at a higher risk of breast cancer. If you drink 2 to 5 drinks a day, it increases your risk of breast cancer by at least one and half times.
17. More than 60 percent of breast cancer cases can be successfully treated.
18. Among gynaecologic cancer, cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer are the most common types of cancer. These are followed by vaginal and vulvar cancer.
19. Uterine cancer has no screening, but unexplained bleeding could be an early sign. Talk to your doctor.
20. In most cases of breast cancer, early detection can increase the survival rate to almost 96 percent.
21. Almost 80 percent of lumps that are thought to be cancerous are actually benign.
22. A simple exercise such as walking can reduce your chances of breast cancer by at least 25 percent.
23. Out of all the deaths that happen due to cancer around the world, 3.5 percent are estimated to be due to consumption of alcohol that leads to cancer.
24. It is harder to spot signs of skin cancer on those who have tattoos, as a malignant mole can often be covered with a tattoo and look like one.
25. A staggering 1/3rd of all cancer cases are due to various behavioral and dietary risks, such as not taking enough fruits and vegetables, having a high BMI, not having enough physical activity, consuming alcohol and tobacco, and not getting enough sleep.