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!
Carenity