Cancer: A Global Health Crisis – Addressing Awareness, Prevention, and Early Intervention

The Global Cancer Impact: Supporting Workplace Health Through Occupational Screening and Prevention Cancer is not only a personal health challenge, it also has a significant impact on the workplace. Many employees face risks simply by the nature of their work environment, from long hours to physically demanding tasks, which can elevate the risk of developing serious health conditions, including cancer. At Medi Sense Clinic, we are committed to promoting occupational health through early screening and preventative care, helping businesses protect the well-being of their teams.

Dr. Poopea Rezaeian is a renowned Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over a decade of experience in Iran, having performed 2000+ successful deliveries and surgeries.

Dr. Poopea is known for her exceptional patient care, counselling skills, and ability to manage high-pressure situations. With her vast expertise, compassionate approach to patient care, and dedication to advancing women’s health, she will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of women in our community.

She brings a wealth of knowledge to Medi Sense Clinic and has been associated with us since 2024.

Is cancer a global health concern?

Yes, cancer is a major global health concern. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths each year, which translates to approximately one in six deaths. The most common types include breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. However, the good news is that many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated promptly.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a broad term used to describe diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and potentially spread to other parts of the body (as metastasis). 

Some cancers, like leukemia, affect blood-forming tissues and may not present as solid tumors. The presence of cancer often disrupts the normal functioning of the organs it affects, leading to symptoms like persistent cough in lung cancer, jaundice in liver cancers, or seizures in brain tumors.

How does Cancer develop?

Cancer develops through a multi-stage process in which normal cells transform into cancerous cells. This transformation can be influenced by genetic factors and external agents such as:

  • Physical Carcinogens: Ultraviolet and ionizing radiation.
  • Chemical Carcinogens: Tobacco smoke, alcohol, asbestos, and certain food contaminants.
  • Biological Carcinogens: Infections from viruses (like HPV and Hepatitis B), bacteria, and parasites.

The risk of developing cancer increases with age, as the body’s ability to repair cellular damage diminishes over time.

Risk Factors for Cancer

Several lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the risk of cancer, including:

  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Air pollution

Chronic infections are also a significant risk factor, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Some common infections associated with cancer include Hepatitis B and C (liver cancer), Human Papillomavirus (HPV, cervical cancer), and Helicobacter pylori (stomach cancer). It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of cancers could be prevented by modifying these risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle choices.

How does screening help in Cancer prevention and management?

Screening is a crucial tool in reducing the overall burden of cancer. Enabling early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and positive outcomes. Many cancers are highly likely to be cured if they are identified at an early stage and treated promptly.

Effective cancer screening involves three key steps:

  • Raising Awareness: Ensuring that individuals recognize early symptoms and understand the importance of seeking medical advice when something unusual is noticed.
  • Access to Diagnostic Services: Providing access to clinical evaluation and diagnostic facilities for timely and accurate testing.
  • Early Referral for Treatment: Referring individuals for treatment as soon as a cancer diagnosis is confirmed.

Cancer screening specifically targets individuals who may not show symptoms but are at risk of developing a particular type of cancer. It aims to detect early changes or abnormalities before the disease progresses. If an abnormality is found, further testing is required to confirm the diagnosis, followed by immediate referral for treatment.

While screening programs are beneficial for several cancer types (e.g., breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers), they may not apply to all cancer types. In many cases, they require significant resources, specialized equipment, and trained personnel, making them more complex and expensive compared to early diagnosis programs. Consequently, a combination of screening and early diagnosis programs is recommended to address different types and stages of cancer effectively.

Connection with Occupational Health and Cancer Prevention in the Workplace

Cancer is not just a personal health issue; it is also a workplace safety concern. Occupational health focuses on identifying and managing risks that arise from work environments. Some occupations involve exposures that significantly increase cancer risk, such as contact with carcinogenic substances (e.g., asbestos, benzene, heavy metals) or prolonged shift work that disrupts natural circadian rhythms. These risk factors underscore the need for proactive cancer prevention and health monitoring in the workplace.

Occupational health professionals and employers can play a crucial role in reducing cancer risks by:

  • Identifying Workplace Carcinogens: This includes monitoring and managing exposures to hazardous chemicals, radiation, and other potential carcinogens. Regular risk assessments can help identify areas of concern.
  • Implementing Protective Measures: Providing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring proper ventilation, and adopting safer alternatives to hazardous material can significantly reduce employees’ exposure to harmful substances.
  • Health Surveillance Programs: Regular health check-ups, screenings, and early diagnosis programs for high-risk groups (e.g., lung cancer screening for workers exposed to asbestos) can lead to early detection and more effective management of occupational cancers.
  • Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness among employees about the risks associated with certain job roles and promoting healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate overall cancer risk.

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Workplace

October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting research for breast cancer. Occupational health professionals and employers have a significant role in promoting this campaign by:

  • Providing information on breast cancer risk factors, the importance of early detection, and the benefits of routine screenings.
  • Partnering with local healthcare providers to offer on-site breast USG, mammography or directing employees to accessible screening centers.
  • Offering flexible work arrangements for affected employees, providing access to counselling, and encouraging a supportive environment.
  • Minimizing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogens, particularly for workers in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, or agriculture.
  • By participating in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and integrating cancer prevention into occupational health strategies, workplaces can demonstrate a commitment to employee health, reduce cancer risks, and support those battling the disease.

Medi Sense Clinic extends its efforts to support women’s health through its specialized gynecology services. The clinic aims to promote breast cancer awareness and facilitate early detection by integrating educational programs, breast health screenings, and personalized care. Medi Sense Clinic aims to empower women to prioritize their breast health by utilising its gynaecology expertise, making early detection and prevention a core focus this October.

Conclusion:

Cancer is a complex disease, but it is not always fatal. Many cancers can be prevented or effectively managed with early detection, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle changes. Education, awareness, and proactive healthcare can transform the outcomes for millions of people worldwide. 

Promoting initiatives like Cancer Awareness Month within workplace settings not only supports employees’ health but also emphasizes the importance of early detection and cancer prevention strategies.

To schedule an appointment with Gynaecologist at Medi Sense Clinic, kindly call at 0097143809803, ext. 1021/1023 or email at coordinators@medisenseclinic.com

For more information on how Medi Sense Clinic can support arranging a Cancer Awareness Month, contact the Business Development Team at businessdevelopment@medisenseclinic.com

References:

  1. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (21st edition): Jameson, J. L., Fauci, A. S., Kasper, D. L., Hauser, S. L., Longo, D. L., & Loscalzo, J. (Eds.). (2022). Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (21st ed.). McGraw Hill.
  2. Frontiers in Public Health and WHO
  3. Image: DALL-E & Canva

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