According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , approximately 30-50 % of cancer cases are preventable if risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, viral infections, and lack of physical activity are well controlled. This means that cancer is not a disease that strikes at any time , but can be prevented if each individual proactively changes their behavior from an early age.
In many localities, including Ca Mau , it's not difficult to find seemingly harmless habits that silently increase the risk of cancer. These include widespread smoking among men, alcohol consumption during social gatherings, a salty diet, and a diet high in processed foods but low in vegetables and fruits.
Mechanistically, these factors, upon entering the body, cause cell damage and alter genetic material (DNA). If the damage is prolonged and exceeds the body's repair capacity, abnormal cells will grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors.
In addition, viral infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C , which are leading causes of liver cancer, still persist in the community, while screening and vaccination have not received adequate attention.
According to Dr. Nguyen Anh Khoa, from the Health Communication Department of the Center for Disease Control: People still have the mentality that they don't need to see a doctor if they don't feel pain, or only seek medical attention when they have clear symptoms , leading to late-stage disease detection . Meanwhile, reality shows that early-stage cancer often has no obvious symptoms. Therefore, delays in screening significantly reduce the chances of successful treatment, increase the financial burden, and seriously affect the quality of life of patients.
Cancer prevention is not a single solution, but a long-term strategy requiring a combination of personal behavioral changes and preventive medical measures. First and foremost, each individual needs to proactively eliminate risk factors. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits, and reducing salt and processed foods are simple steps that yield noticeable results.
According to the National Institute of Nutrition, a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals not only strengthens the immune system but also contributes to reducing the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, vaccination is an effective preventive measure against several types of cancer. Specifically, the hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent liver cancer, while the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer , one of the most common cancers in women.
One of the important but often overlooked measures is regular cancer screening. Early detection improves treatment effectiveness, reduces costs, and increases the chances of survival for patients. People should maintain the habit of having regular health checkups at least once a year, and also undergo screening tests appropriate for their age and risk factors. In particular, they should not be complacent about even small unusual signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, the appearance of lumps, or unusual changes in the body.
Cancer is not an unavoidable disease. The important thing is that each person needs to be aware of their own role in protecting their health. Small decisions like quitting smoking, small changes like eating more green vegetables, or an early check-up can all become big steps in reducing the risk of developing the disease in the future.
Proactive cancer prevention is not solely the responsibility of the healthcare sector, but rather the responsibility of every individual, every family, and the entire society. Effective cancer prevention requires a shift in community awareness ; moving from a "treat only when sick" mindset to a "proactive prevention" approach is crucial. Starting today is the best way to protect your health for tomorrow.
Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/chu-dong-phong-ngua-ung-thu-tu-som-300318
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