World Cancer Day, celebrated globally on February 4 each year, is a vital platform to raise awareness, improve education, and inspire action against cancer. The theme for 2025, 'United by Unique,' highlights the importance of recognizing individual experiences, needs, and stories in the global fight against cancer. This theme underscores the need to tailor care and support to diverse populations, address disparities, and foster a collective movement toward equitable and effective cancer control.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide, with alarming statistics highlighting its growing prevalence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global burden of cancer reached 20 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths in 2022. These numbers are projected to escalate, particularly in low and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare is limited. In India, the cancer burden is equally concerning, with approximately 1.46 million new cases reported in 2022. Breast, lung, oral, and cervical cancers are among the most common types affecting the population. Kerala, known for its advanced healthcare system, has also witnessed a steady increase in cancer cases, particularly breast, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Doctors often inquire about the family history factor if they doubt your health test results indicate a possibility of breast cancer. Photo:  iStock/PORNCHAI SODA
Breast, lung, oral, and cervical cancers are among the most common types affecting the population. Photo: iStock/PORNCHAI SODA

What contributes to cancer burden?
Cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, influence this diversity in cancer types and progression. While non-modifiable risk factors like age and genetic predisposition play a role, modifiable factors such as tobacco use, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption significantly contribute to the global cancer burden. Environmental exposures and infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C, further exacerbate the risk, linking infectious diseases to cancer development.

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Early detection remains a cornerstone in the fight against cancer. Recognizing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, abnormal bleeding, or lumps can lead to timely diagnosis and improved outcomes. Screening programs play a pivotal role in identifying cancers at an early stage. For instance, mammography has proven highly effective in detecting breast cancer. At the same time, Pap smears and HPV tests have significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in countries with established screening programs. Colonoscopies and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) have similarly advanced the early detection of colorectal and lung cancers.

Challenges in ensuring access
Despite the advancements in screening and treatment, challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In India, efforts to expand cancer screening and awareness campaigns are ongoing, but barriers such as lack of infrastructure and public awareness hinder progress. Kerala has made notable strides in this area, leveraging its strong healthcare network to promote early detection and treatment. However, sustaining and scaling these efforts remains critical.

Treatment options for cancer have evolved significantly over the years, with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies being the mainstay. Advances in personalized medicine have revolutionized cancer care by tailoring treatments to an individual’s genetic profile, improving outcomes, and minimizing side effects. Immunotherapies, for example, harness the immune system's power to combat cancer, while targeted therapies inhibit specific molecules involved in tumour growth. These breakthroughs have transformed cancer from a fatal disease to a manageable condition for many patients.

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Prevention, however, remains the most effective strategy in reducing cancer incidence. Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables can significantly lower cancer risk. Vaccination also plays a crucial role in prevention. The HPV vaccine has proven to be highly effective in reducing the risk of cervical cancer, while the hepatitis B vaccine lowers the risk of liver cancer. Kerala has been proactive in promoting HPV vaccination, with initiatives to enhance public awareness and access.

By selectively targeting genes that are amplified or deleted due to aneuploidy, therapies can be designed to disrupt cancer cell growth. Photo: Rasi Bhadramani / iStock
By selectively targeting genes that are amplified or deleted due to aneuploidy, therapies can be designed to disrupt cancer cell growth. Photo: Rasi Bhadramani / iStock

This year's theme
The theme of “United by Unique” for World Cancer Day 2025 serves as a call to action to address the multifaceted challenges of cancer by placing individuals and their unique stories at the centre of the conversation. It emphasizes the need for a people-centric approach that bridges gaps in care, empowers communities, and fosters collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and civil society.

As we observe World Cancer Day 2025, it is crucial to recognize that combating cancer requires a collective effort. By prioritizing awareness, prevention, and early detection and ensuring equitable access to care, we can reduce the burden of cancer and save countless lives. The fight against cancer begins with each of us as we take steps toward healthier lives, advocate for better policies, and support programs that prioritize cancer care. Together, we can create a future where cancer is no longer a formidable adversary but a condition that can be managed and overcome.
(Dr Deepthi TR is Specialist in Early cancer Detection and Prevention, Oncure Preventive and Healthcare Centre Kannur)

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