Cancer, Hope is stronger than Fear
By, Muhammad Javed Iqbal
Health and Nutrition Supervisor
Cancer Give-up or Stand-up?
Cancer is a
word that
strikes fear
into the
hearts of millions
of people worldwide. Every year
4rth February is being
celebrated as an international
day of cancer awareness. Cancer
is a killer disease that affects
people of all ages, genders, and
backgrounds and has taken too
many lives too soon. The World
Health Organization estimates
that in 2022, 18 million new
cases of cancer were diagnosed,
with 9.6 million deaths
recorded. It is a disease that
touches the lives of so many of
us, either directly or indirectly,
and its impact cannot be
overstated. In this piece, we will
delve into the reality of cancer
and its effects on individuals and
society, as well as discuss the
progress that has been made in
preventing and treating this
disease."
Cancer is a group of diseases
characterized by the
uncontrolled growth and spread
of abnormal cells. It is one of the
leading causes of death
worldwide, and affects people
of all ages, races, and
socioeconomic backgrounds.
There are many different types
of cancer, including breast
cancer, lung cancer, prostate
cancer, and colorectal cancer,
among others.
Cancer is a growing health
concern in Pakistan, with
increasing rates of diagnosis and
mortality. The spread of cancer
in the country is influenced by a
variety of factors, including
lifestyle choices, genetics,
environmental factors, and
access to adequate healthcare.
The most common types of
cancer in Pakistan include
breast, lung, liver, and gastric
cancer, with a disproportionate
burden among rural and low-
income populations. Addressing
the spread of cancer in Pakistan
requires a multi-faceted
approach, including public
health campaigns, improved
access to screening and
treatment, and increased
funding for research and
development of new
treatments.
Cancer is a Challenge,
Let’s accept it
together.
The exact causes of cancer are
not yet fully understood, but
there are several factors that are
known to increase the risk of
developing the disease. Some of
the most common risk factors
include smoking, exposure to
toxic chemicals, a diet high in
processed foods, and a
sedentary lifestyle. Other risk
factors include age, family
history of cancer, exposure to
radiation, and certain infections.
Prevention is key when it comes
to reducing the risk of
developing cancer. Some of the
most effective ways to prevent
cancer include quitting smoking,
eating a healthy diet rich in fruits
and vegetables, maintaining a
healthy weight, and engaging in
regular physical activity. It is also
important to get regular check-
ups, including cancer
screenings, to detect the disease
early, when it is most treatable.
Treatments for cancer vary
depending on the type and
stage of the disease, as well as
the patient's overall health.
Some of the most common
treatments include surgery,
radiation therapy,
chemotherapy, and
immunotherapy. In some cases,
a combination of treatments
may be used to achieve the best
possible outcome.
In addition to treatment, there
are many things that patients
can do to improve their quality
of life and reduce the risk of
cancer recurrence. This includes
eating a healthy diet, engaging
in regular physical activity,
getting plenty of rest, and
managing stress through
activities such as meditation or
yoga.
When it comes to cancer
prevention and treatment,
safety is a top priority. This
includes minimizing exposure to
known carcinogens, such as
tobacco smoke and certain
chemicals, and ensuring that
treatments are administered
by trained healthcare
professionals in safe and
controlled environments. It
is also important to educate
the public about cancer, its
causes, and the importance of
early detection and treatment,
to help reduce the
number of lives lost to
this devastating disease.
Cancer is a complex and
challenging disease that affects
millions of people worldwide.
However, by taking steps to
prevent the disease,
detecting it early, and seeking
effective treatment, patients
can improve their chances of
survival and lead healthier,
happier lives. It is up to all of us
to work together to find new
treatments, prevent the spread
of the disease, and support
those who are affected by it.
There is no single food or dietary
pattern that has been proven to
cure cancer, but a diet rich in
whole, unprocessed foods can
help reduce the risk of
developing the disease and
improve outcomes for those
who have been diagnosed.
Some of the best foods for
fighting cancer include:
Fruits and vegetables: These are
high in antioxidants, vitamins,
and minerals that can help
protect cells from damage and
support the immune system.
Aim to eat a variety of colorful
fruits and vegetables, including
dark leafy greens, berries, and
brightly colored peppers.
Whole grains: Whole grains,
such as brown rice, quinoa, and
whole wheat, are a good source
of fiber, which can help regulate
the digestive system and reduce
the risk of colon cancer.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and
chickpeas are high in protein,
fiber, and micronutrients, and
have been shown to help reduce
the risk of several types of
cancer.
Nuts and seeds: These are a
good source of healthy fats and
plant-based protein, and are
high in antioxidants and anti-
inflammatory compounds that
can help protect cells from
damage.
Fermented foods: Foods such as
yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are
a good source of probiotics,
which can help support the
immune system and reduce
inflammation in the body.
Tea: Both green and black tea
contain compounds that have
been shown to have anti-
cancer effects, including
reducing oxidative stress and
inhibiting the growth of cancer
cells.
Spices: Many spices, such as
turmeric, ginger, and garlic,
have anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties that can
help protect cells from damage
and support the immune
system.
It is important to note that while
these foods can be beneficial,
they are not a guarantee against
cancer. A balanced diet,
combined with regular physical
activity and other healthy
lifestyle choices, is the best way
to reduce the risk of developing
the disease. Incorporating a
variety of whole, unprocessed
foods into your diet can help
support your health and reduce
the risk of cancer. By making
healthy food choices and
incorporating a balanced diet,
you can support your overall
health and well-being, and
potentially reduce your risk of
developing cancer.
In Pakistan, cancer may be
caused by poor nutrition, and
harmful behaviors such as
eating more junk food,
adulterating infectious
substances, gutkha, and paan.
Pakistan is nutritionally deficient
in vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, and
iron, according to the national
nutrition survey report. These
nutritional deficiencies are the
contributing causes of cancer.
The use of gutkha, paan, fast
foods and adulteration of foods
are common culprits for cancer.
When it comes to cancer
therapy, Pakistan lacks proper
policies and strategies. Different
governmental and non-
governmental organizations are
working which are nonetheless
making a substantial
contribution to the health sector
by applying nuclear and other
cutting edge technology for
cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The national action plan also
works on cancer prevention
measures