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World Cancer Day is taking place today and this year the focus is on prevention through early diagnosis.
Last year, more than 18 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide, according to the International Union Against Cancer (UICC).
The organization said five million of these cases, including bad, cervical and colorectal cancers, could have been detected earlier and treated more effectively.
"On this World Cancer Day, we want people to know that many cancers can be managed and even cured, especially if they are screened and treated as soon as possible.
"By detecting cancer at an early stage, we are seizing the best opportunity to prevent millions of preventable deaths worldwide," said UICC Director General Dr. Cary Adams.
As such, UICC has launched a three-year "I Am and I Will" campaign, calling on governments, the health community and individuals to raise awareness about cancer prevention.
Social media users have announced their intention to get the message across.
Early detection can save lives and money
Millions of cancer cases are discovered late, which can lead to more expensive and more complex treatment. Studies in high-income countries have shown that treating patients with diagnosed cancer at an early stage costs two to four times less than that of patients with advanced cancer .
"Cancer develops on late presentation of the disease. The delay allows it to spread and cause totally undisputed damage. That is why, on this World Cancer Day, I urge all of you to learn about the signs and symptoms of cancer and not be afraid to seek help immediately, "said the President of the Commission, HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan.
"Likewise, I urge governments to prioritize and systematize early detection and screening programs to enable better access and give everyone a chance to beat cancer," she added.
Public awareness
UICC also warned that feelings of shame and fear may also prevent people from seeking medical attention or testing. According to a British report, one in four people would not consult a doctor after discovering a potential cancer symptom for fear of the diagnosis.
Men can also be prevented from seeking a diagnosis because of gender norms and lack of promotion of men's health.
Government action
The group and its members in 170 countries are calling on governments to improve cancer prevention through treatment and care, which he says can save up to 3.7 million lives a year.
Health services
Physicians can also benefit from increased awareness of early detection. One study found that when patients had potential symptoms of cancer and experts suspected it, a weak referral system prevented them from referring them to pathology services for diagnostic tests, which would delay treatment.
This is particularly true in low-income countries, where 35% of low-income countries reported that pathology services were generally available, compared with more than 95% of high-income countries.
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