World Cancer Day: United by Unique

February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day every year. The day is observed to increase awareness for the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is “United by Unique.” It emphasises the importance of patient-oriented and personalised care. The theme is part of a 3-year campaign which will run from 2025 to 2027. It will highlight the personal journeys of those who have been associated with the fatal disease like patients, survivors, and caregivers.

On February 4, events and campaigns are organised all over the world to spread awareness, support patients and their families and educate them. On this Day, let us be aware of five unexpected things that may increase the risk of developing this malignancy.

1. Cleaning product chemicals

Most people ignore the fact that some of the chemical components that they use while cleaning clothes may be carcinogenic. Various cleaning solutions contain chemicals such as benzene and phthalates, which may cause leukaemia and lymphoma. A 2021 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to such chemicals may weaken the immune system while disrupting hormones, which eventually may lead to this chronic illness.

2. Consuming processed meats

In a fast-paced world, packaged food and processed meats are most preferred for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. The WHO has categorised processed meats such as sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats as Group 1 carcinogens because of toxic substances in them, such as nitrates, which can harm human cells over a period of time.

3. Air pollution

As smoking causes cancer, air pollution can too. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants present in the air are linked to the risk of lung cancer, even among nonsmokers. As per the study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology in 2023, air pollution is the 2nd largest cause of lung cancer.

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3. Red meat

Red meat, which includes beef, hog, and lamb also contains carcinogenic substances and thus their excessive consumption can increase the risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer. As per a study published by the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating red meat increases the risk of esophageal, liver, and lung cancer by 20 per cent to 60 per cent

4. Screen time

Phones, laptops and other devices with screens are unavoidable these days. Most people do not know that continuous exposure to blue light radiated from screens may increase the risk of cancer, as per new research. However, concrete evidence-based investigation is still needed to validate it, it is still prudent to take it under consideration.

As per the 2022 National Institutes of Health study published in Frontiers, exposure to blue light at night changes melatonin production which regulates sleep. As the hormone has cancer-protective qualities its disturbance could increase the risk of prostate and breast cancer.