Bhubaneswar, Feb 4: World Cancer Day is observed across the globe on Wednesday. An IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) data reveals that the disease continues to affect on a larger scale with an astounding 20 million new cases have been reported in 2022 globally, while 9.7 million people lost their lives due to cancer.

India has witnessed a surge in cancer cases in past few years. Going by the yearly data, 13.5 lakh cases were diagnosed in 2019, while 13.9 lakh the next year, 14.2 lakh in 2021, 14.6 lakh in 2022, 14.9 lakh the next year. The numbers in 2024 show 15 lakh cases were diagnosed in the country.

Every World Cancer Day carries a theme, and 2026’s theme is ‘United by Unique’. The theme simply means every cancer patient must be united to achieve same objective - better care, support and outcomes - despite each having a different journey during their tough times.

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In the age of social media, people often express their feelings through hashtags. But, is it the right way to address the concern? A disease like cancer requires action - not only personal, but also collective effort. Despite messages through advertisements those say ‘Early detection of a disease saves lives’, people barely follow this.

Screening for major cancers - breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal - still lack consistency in many regions across the country. And the primary reason is fear. Out of fear, people hesitate to consult a doctor or screening. Not only this, but they also neglect simple lifestyle changes - maintain health with regular exercise or yoga along with adopting healthier food habits, limiting alcohol consumption or  quitting tobacco - that could significantly reduce the risk. These practices might not cure cancer or completely eliminate the risk, but it can allow your body to resist any disease. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

So this World Cancer day, which is observed on February 4 every year, we should pledge that only hashtags or social media posts won’t help, rather we should spread awareness that people should visit a doctor for consultation. People should understand that they have to face reality as hiding out of fear only increase the risk, not only for them, but for their families as well.

And with the amount of technology advancements, improve in medicine qualities, some simple changes in our lifestyle and with a little bit of courage, not only we can fight cancer, but can reduce risk of other deadly diseases too.