World Cancer Day: Facts and Insights!
Published 4 Feb 2019 • Updated 23 May 2019 • By Louise Bollecker
Today is World Cancer Day. Discover the latest figures about this disease as well as the latest testimonials on Carenity. Let's speak out against cancer and share our stories and tips!
Cancer, a global scourge
- Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular disease.
- 17.5 million people were living with cancer in 2015.
- From 2005 to 2015, the number of cancers increased by 33%, mainly due to the aging of the population and population growth
What is cancer?
All cancers are different depending on the location of the tumour, the individual and the stage of disease progression. Cancer is defined as a malignant tumour that results from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in a tissue or organ.
The most frequent cancers
- Prostate cancer is most common in men.
- Breast cancer is most common in women.
- Childhood cancers are rare; they represent only between 1 and 2% of cancers. The cure rate is around 80% for all pediatric cancers.
The most deadly cancers
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, followed by liver cancer, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.
The risk factors
- Age: the older you are, the more likely you are to get cancer
- Genetic predisposition
- Tobacco and alcohol
- Diet: not eating enough fruits and vegetables and eating a diet that is too fatty, sweet or salty can lead to cancer.
- Obesity and lack of physical exercise
- Air pollution, asbestos and other toxic substances
- Infections such as HPV, AIDS or hepatitis B
>> Visit our forum dedicated to cancer treatments
The psychological impact of cancer
Stuart, a member of Carenity, has overcome colorectal cancer. He tells us about his depression, his post-traumatic stress disorder but above all his solutions to regain the joy of life.
With a neuroendocrine tumour for at least 20 years, mariebleu (a member of Carenity France) has often felt isolated in the face of the rarity of NETs. She explains her treatments and the help she received from her family and friends, as well as her struggle to find a doctor who would listen.
>> Read the story of mariebleu
Become involved in your recovery
Simon (@simonflys), a Carenity member, "highlights PSA testing for every bloke" he meets, having himself been affected by prostate cancer and been treated successfully due to early detection. He also underlines the importance of a positive attitude and of taking into consideration the feelings of caregivers, as their loved one's condition can be extremely difficult to bear.
Meet our member, Elizabeth @elizda, who experienced a shock when she learned not only did she have anal cancer, but she would have to get an ileostomy. Read her story of change and acceptance.
>> Read Elizabeth's testimonial
Breaking the taboo of cancer
Doug was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2017 and since then he has used his cancer diagnosis as a source of creative fuel. Doug has been very outspoken about his journey with cancer and writes about it in detail. Discover his experience.
Kathy is a former police officer who was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. In this interview she talks about breast cancer treatments and the importance of accepting the new you.
To read all the testimonialss of our members, it's this way!
And how was your diagnosis?
Are you satisfied with your treatments?
Do you have any relatives fighting cancer right now?
Let's support each other in this discussion!
Facebook
Twitter
8 comments
I now have pains in my arms and legs and my coughing for my copd and emphysema is getting worse I am still waiting for my rehabilitation exercise but I am now having a one to one with a councillor and she says because of everything I have gone through in my life time I must have a lot of inner strength I am now having a lot of hot flushes and just lately I keep going dizzy I find it very hard to sleep as when I close my eyes I think that I'm not going to wake up but I suppose there is a lot of things that comes with having breast cancer I now have to take lexitrole for ten years not five that I said but I do find it hard to cope I still use a rolator when I go out and I have a stick which has red tape so drivers know that I am deaf and it is white and has a special handle so I can grip better also I still use my mobility scooter if I want to go to our beach but cancer is so worrying especially with all my other illnesses this is what I call the icing on the cake I do have an emergency button that I can press if I need help that's if my husband isn't around also I have a vibrating buzzer that I put under my pillow so if there is ever a fire or anything else it pulsates so the vibrations wake me as I cant wear my two hearing aids at night also I have a very loud door bell that light flashes to tell me if anyone at the door so that all helps me a lot well I'm off now but I just thought I would tell you how things are going this week I have to go and see my councillor and my oncologists lots of love tiggs xx
I've now been told I've got suspected diabetes so off for another blood test and urine test on tuesday. Its one thing after another need two hip replacements parathyroid operation teeth all going loose now with the medication. I live on my own and hardly date think of the future my ankles are enormous and can't sleep at all just the odd hour at teatime. I don't feel like I can carry on like this x
Latest news ive seen a different gp who is brilliant she has sorted my legs out they are now back to normal size changed my tablets from bendromoflourozide to fluozomide 40g i take one in the mor ing and one at lunchtime she has monitored my kidneys with fortnightly blood tests which have been fine. Sent me for an xray on my tibia as ive had a large bone lump for two years my other gp didnt bother. As i am a cancer survivor it was a huge worry ie bone cancer but the results have come back not suspicious so one less worry. My hyperparthyroid blood test is still the same so 6 monthly checks on that to continue.
