Today’s post is not the most cheerful one, nor does it aim to be. It is an entry that seeks to shine a light on one of the most widespread diseases in our society, not only at a national level, but also worldwide: cancer. (Aka ‘The Big C’)
Every February 4th, the world marks World Cancer Day, a date that is not only about remembering statistics or diagnoses, but about focusing on something far more powerful: awareness, prevention, and the importance of early action. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but it is also a disease about which we now know far more than we did just a few decades ago. And that knowledge saves lives.
Talking about cancer means talking about a complex condition. It is not a single disease, but many. Cancer develops when certain cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. While there are genetic factors that cannot be changed, a significant proportion of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle choices and environmental factors. This is where prevention plays a crucial role.
In recent years, the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide have been breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. Many of these share something important in common: they can often be detected early and, in many cases, are closely connected to habits we can modify. Early detection greatly increases survival rates and often allows for less aggressive treatments.
Prevention is not a magic formula, but rather the result of everyday decisions. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fresh foods helps reduce inflammation and supports the immune system. Avoiding tobacco is one of the most effective preventive measures, as smoking is directly linked to several types of cancer, especially lung, mouth, throat, and bladder cancer. Alcohol, although socially accepted, also increases cancer risk when consumption is frequent or excessive.
Regular physical activity is another key protective factor. This does not mean extreme exercise, but simply staying active: walking, using the stairs, moving more in daily life. Physical activity helps regulate body weight, hormones, and immune function, all of which are closely related to cancer risk. Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and using proper sun protection is essential in preventing skin cancer, one of the most common cancers in recent years.
An equally important part of prevention is listening to your body and attending regular medical check-ups. Screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and specific blood tests can detect abnormalities before they become serious. Many people delay these tests due to fear or lack of time, when in reality they can make the difference between a simple treatment and a much more complex one.
World Cancer Day is also a reminder that no one faces this disease alone. Behind every diagnosis are individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and researchers who support, care, and fight every day. Research continues to advance, treatments improve, and survival rates rise—but prevention remains the most powerful tool we have.
Raising awareness is not about creating fear, but about empowerment. Taking care of ourselves today is a way of protecting our tomorrow. And that is the most important message of February 4th.
