Professor (Dr.) Vikas Sharma & Dr. Abeeda Mushtaq
World Cancer Day, observed every year on February 4th, is a global initiative to raise awareness, encourage prevention and promote early detection and treatment of cancer. Established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), this day serves as a reminder of the growing burden of cancer and the need for collective action to fight it. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people and their families. It occurs when abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other organs. Several factors contribute to cancer, including genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental pollutants and infections. However, with awareness, preventive measures and early detection, many types of cancer can be prevented or successfully treated. Cancer can affect any organ, with lung, breast, colorectal, prostate and stomach cancers being among the most common types. The emotional, physical and financial burden of cancer makes it a major global health concern.
One of the key aspects of cancer prevention is recognizing early signs and symptoms, which can significantly improve survival rates. Some of the most common warning signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps or swelling, changes in bowel habits, prolonged cough, difficulty swallowing and unusual bleeding. Detecting cancer in its early stages through regular screenings such as mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies and PSA tests, greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. However, many cases go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness, fear or financial constraints, making World Cancer Day an essential platform for educating the public on the importance of early detection. Lifestyle choices, particularly diet and food safety, play a significant role in cancer prevention. Certain foods are known to increase the risk of cancer, including processed meats, deep-fried foods, excessive sugar and food wrapped in newspapers. Newspapers are often used by street vendors and small eateries to wrap food items, but this practice poses serious health risks. The printing ink contains toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can transfer to food, especially when hot or oily. These substances are known carcinogens that can cause long-term health problems, including digestive issues and cancers of the stomach and intestines. Despite warnings from health authorities like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this practice remains widespread. To curb this health hazard, it is essential to promote safer alternatives such as food-grade paper and biodegradable packaging.
Oily foods, particularly deep-fried items and foods rich in trans fats or saturated fats, can also increase cancer risk. These fats promote inflammation in the body and have been linked to higher rates of colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. When oils are heated to high temperatures, such as during deep frying, harmful compounds like acrylamide and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) can form, both of which have been associated with cancer development. Another critical dietary factor in cancer prevention is reducing the consumption of excessive sugar and sweetened foods. High sugar intake is linked to obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders, all of which increase the risk of various cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Instead of refined sugar, incorporating natural sweeteners like honey, fruits and jaggery can be a healthier option.
Cosmetics, especially those containing harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates and heavy metals, can be absorbed through the skin and may disrupt hormonal balance. Some chemicals in cosmetics, particularly in lipsticks and skin creams, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer over time due to their ability to accumulate in the body and act as endocrine disruptors. The excessive use of plastics, especially in food packaging and storage, poses significant health risks, including an increased chance of cancer due to the presence of harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, dioxins and styrene. These toxic compounds can leach into food and beverages, particularly when plastics are heated, scratched or exposed to acidic substances, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential cancer risks. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to plastic-related toxins to breast, prostate and liver cancers, as well as disruptions in the immune and endocrine systems.
Cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the years, with multiple options available depending on the type, stage and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Surgery is one of the most common treatments, used to remove cancerous tumors or affected tissues before they spread. It is often combined with radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or chemotherapy, which involves the use of powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells. While chemotherapy is effective, it often comes with side effects such as nausea, hair loss and fatigue due to its impact on healthy cells. Another important approach is targeted therapy, which focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, minimizing damage to normal cells. Immunotherapy has also revolutionized cancer care by boosting the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively.
Other treatments include hormone therapy, which is particularly effective for cancers like breast and prostate cancer, as it blocks hormones that fuel tumor growth. Stem cell transplants, used mainly for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, help restore the bone marrow after high-dose chemotherapy. Precision medicine, or personalized treatment, is an emerging field where genetic testing helps doctors choose the most effective therapy for each patient based on their cancer’s unique genetic makeup. Alternative therapies, such as herbal medicines, acupuncture and dietary modifications are also explored by some patients to complement conventional treatments. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, establishing more specialized cancer care centers and ensuring affordable treatment options can help bridge the gap and provide better care to cancer patients.
Cancer vaccines are an innovative approach to preventing and treating cancer by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. There are two main types of cancer vaccines: preventive (prophylactic) vaccines and therapeutic (treatment) vaccines. Preventive vaccines are designed to protect against viruses that can lead to cancer. For example, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent cervical, anal and other cancers caused by HPV infection, while the Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) reduces the risk of liver cancer by preventing hepatitis B virus infection. These vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of virus-related cancers worldwide. Four of these preventive cancer vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therapeutic cancer vaccines, on the other hand, are designed to help the immune system attack existing cancer cells. These vaccines work by training immune cells to recognize specific cancer-related proteins and destroy cancerous cells. One example is the Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) vaccine, which is used to treat advanced prostate cancer by boosting the body’s natural defenses. Research is ongoing to develop more therapeutic vaccines for cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer and breast cancer. The future of cancer vaccines looks promising, with advancements in personalized cancer vaccines, which are tailored to an individual’s unique tumor profile. Combining cancer vaccines with other treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy could revolutionize cancer care, making treatment more effective and reducing the global cancer burden.
In Jammu and Kashmir, cancer cases have been rising at an alarming rate. The most commonly diagnosed cancers in the region include lung, esophageal, stomach and colorectal cancer. Several factors contribute to this trend, including high tobacco consumption, pollution and dietary habits. The use of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes and hookah has led to an increase in lung and oral cancers, while the consumption of salted tea (Noon Chai) and fermented foods has been linked to a higher incidence of stomach cancer. Additionally, air pollution caused by biomass burning, industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust has worsened respiratory conditions, increasing cancer risks in the region. A major challenge in Jammu and Kashmir is the lack of advanced cancer treatment facilities in rural areas, forcing many patients to travel to other states for specialized care. Government intervention, along with public awareness campaigns, can help in improving cancer care infrastructure, promoting early detection and reducing exposure to environmental risk factors.
To curb cancer and reduce its impact, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Public education on cancer risk factors, symptoms and early detection should be a priority. Governments and health organizations must enforce strict regulations on tobacco products, food safety measures and pollution control to minimize exposure to carcinogens. Encouraging healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise, balanced diets and quitting smoking, can significantly lower cancer risks.
World Cancer Day serves as a powerful reminder that cancer is not just a health issue, but a social and economic burden that affects families and communities worldwide. By taking collective action whether through lifestyle changes, policy improvements or supporting cancer research, we can work toward a future where cancer is preventable, treatable and no longer a life-threatening disease. Let us use this day to spread awareness, encourage early detection and stand in solidarity with those battling cancer, making sure that no one faces this fight alone.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, SKUAST-Jammu)