World Cancer Day 2024 - consider this your call to action
Most of us have had our lives touched by cancer. As Bupa APAC Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mark Lubliner explains, information and early intervention can help save lives.
One of the sad realities of life is that we know that one in two Australians will develop cancer at some stage of their lives.
It’s also estimated that around three in every 10 Australians who died last year lost their lives to cancer.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia in 2023 were prostate, breast, skin and colorectal cancer. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way in the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of these cancers, which can improve health outcomes and quality of life. Even with the more uncommon cancers, earlier detection can result in a better prognosis and health outcomes.
We don’t have enough long-range data to confirm the impacts that the pandemic had on cancer screening and diagnosis. However, in Victoria for example, there was a 7% drop in cancer diagnoses in 2020 compared to the previous year, which coincided with the first and second waves of COVID-19. It’s estimated that there were potentially 2,420 people who were unable to benefit from more timely detection.
These statistics should be a wakeup call for all of us to take our health into our own hands. Make yourself aware of relevant cancer screening programs and access them. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss the ways in which you might prevent some of these cancers.
Acting early may have a profound impact on your health, with data showing there’s a 77% five-year survival rate for common cancers that are identified and treated in a timely manner.
The World Health Organisation estimates that between 30 and 50% of cancers could be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle This includes not smoking, reducing your alcohol intake, and reducing unprotected sun exposure.
Acting early may have a profound impact on your health, with data showing there’s a 77% five-year survival rate for common cancers that are identified and treated in a timely manner.
So, whilst you may fear cancer, you can take many steps to reduce your risk of cancer. Be aware of any changes to your body or general health, and there are recommendations for cancer screening so make sure you take action and reach out to your GP for early support.
