Today marks the 25th anniversary of World Cancer Day – the awareness day originally established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise public awareness of one of the most common causes of death of our time. Many organizations and countries observe World Cancer Day, and today information events on the fight against and prevention of this terrible disease are taking place in many locations.
Hardly any disease is so well known or causes so much fear. As the German Cancer Aid organization writes on its website, 500,000 people in Germany develop cancer every year, and four million live with the disease, while 40 percent of cancer cases could be prevented through a healthier lifestyle . And this is one of the most important messages of World Cancer Day: We are not completely helpless in the face of this disease!
There are many different types of cancer, and the disease can progress differently in every patient. The UICC’s motto for World Cancer Day over the next three years is: “United by Unique”. This emphasizes that all cancer patients ultimately face the same problem, even if their stories differ.
The goal must be to help all patients with early detection through increasingly advanced diagnostic and medical measuring devices, and to prevent the risk factors for cancer through medical education and guidance on living a healthier lifestyle .
Risk factors for cancer and ways to prevent it
According to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), at least 37 percent of all cancers are attributable to preventable risk factors . Smoking is particularly harmful, accounting for more than 19 percent of cancer cases. This is followed directly by unhealthy eating habits, excess weight, and lack of exercise, each accounting for approximately six to eight percent. Environmental influences such as fine particulate matter or exhaust fumes, on the other hand, play a comparatively minor role.
On this 25th World Cancer Day, we should therefore also remember that each of us can do the most to reduce our own risk of disease. Changing lifestyle habits does not necessarily have to be as difficult as it may seem at first glance. There are plenty of aids for healthier eating or more exercise, and our own range also includes many products that can help.
Prevent cancer through better nutrition and buy vitamin complexes
Too many people eat an unhealthy diet and thereby increase their risk of cancer. Many adults have had serious deficiencies in their supply of important vitamins for years. Those who find it difficult to eat a vitamin-rich, healthy diet can simply buy vitamins if in doubt.
Medicalcorner24’s range includes a wide selection of dietary supplements that can help you compensate for deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or anti-inflammatory fatty acids such as omega-3.
The vitamin complexes available to buy from Medicalcorner24 are not subject to prescription. Nevertheless, we recommend speaking with your general practitioner before taking dietary supplements regularly, in order to clarify which vitamins you should buy and whether they are compatible with any medications you may be taking.
It is also important to rule out an excessive intake of certain minerals or vitamins. Please note that the aim is always to meet individual vitamin and nutrient requirements , and that a proper diet is only one factor in cancer prevention; it should be complemented by an active and mobile lifestyle.
Prevent cancer through an active lifestyle, sports, and exercise
An active lifestyle with sports and exercise has been proven to prevent cancer and other diseases. In addition, sports and exercise therapy have also proven effective in aftercare following cancer recovery. That is why, once again on the occasion of World Cancer Day, we would like to point out that you can start keeping physically fit at any age and in any situation in life.
Exercise strengthens the heart and circulation, helps regulate blood sugar levels, boosts the immune system, and benefits mental health. All these factors help prevent or overcome cancer. Regular training can begin with daily walks and/or light exercises within your own four walls.
In the range of products for therapy needs, Medicalcorner24 offers an extensive selection of sports equipment of the highest quality that makes it easier to start living a healthier life. Fitness and therapy bands offer a unique way to build muscle while protecting joints and tendons - ideal if you are essentially starting “from scratch.” Naturally, you will also find classic dumbbells and weights in the MC24 shop.
Gymnastics balls or gymnastics rings make flexibility and coordination training enjoyable, while cushioned exercise mats provide gentle support during floor exercises. The therapy range also includes specialized exercise equipment such as hand trainers for improved grip strength and balance trainers for better balance.
Early cancer detection: Which examinations should you have regularly?
While 20th-century physicians were often only able to detect many cancers at a late stage, today’s most advanced diagnostic tools and medical measuring devices enable the early detection of almost all types of cancer. Ideally, so-called precancerous lesions are detected in order to prevent the disease from developing.
General practitioners are able to perform initial checkups to assess the likelihood or suspicion of cancer and recommend further tests. Additional early detection examinations should be carried out by appropriate specialists - these examinations are particularly advisable if you have already had cases of cancer in your family.
The following early cancer detection examinations are most commonly recommended:
Detecting skin cancer: Regular skin screenings can be carried out at dermatology practices, where the entire skin surface is examined and every mole is checked for possible malignancy. Modern dermatoscopic procedures make it possible to detect melanomas and other types of skin cancer before they become acute.
Detecting breast cancer: Breast cancer, which is very common among women, can be screened for at a gynecology practice. If detected early enough, the chances of recovery are often very good. Gynecologists are also able to perform early detection examinations for cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other types of cancer that only affect women.
Detecting colorectal cancer: The gastrointestinal tract is the specialty of gastroenterologists. These specialists can detect early stages of colorectal cancer, for example through colonoscopies, so that timely measures can be taken against this very common form of cancer. Gastroenterology specialists can also diagnose other common cancers, such as stomach cancer or pancreatic cancer, through early examinations.
Detecting bladder or kidney cancer: Urologists offer early examinations to detect feared cancers of the bladder or kidneys at an early stage. These experts also detect prostate cancer, which affects only men.
Detecting lung cancer: Not only heavy smokers, but also people whose working conditions put them at risk, may have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Appropriate early tests can be performed at a pulmonology practice.
Detecting cancer in the head and neck area: The larynx, esophagus, trachea, or throat - everything related to the ears, nose, and throat is covered by ENT physicians. You should consult these medical professionals if you want to prevent cancers in the head and neck area.
Medicalcorner24’s online shop is well stocked with modern diagnostic tools for use in medical practices and hospitals. Diagnostic devices such as ECG machines and accessories, blood glucose meters, pulse meters, blood pressure monitors, scales, and stethoscopes enable the monitoring of all important bodily functions.
Highly magnifying, illuminated dermatoscopes can also be used to examine even the tiniest moles for skin cancer. Media for preparing cultures are available for a wide variety of laboratory tests. In addition, MC24 carries important consumables such as ultrasound gel, electrode gel, contact sprays, and lubricants, which are needed for various examinations.
The importance of anatomical models, posters, and other teaching aids should also not be underestimated when explaining clearly to patients where cancer can develop in the body and how possible treatments or cancer prevention measures affect the organism.
We wish you an informative World Cancer Day in the best of health - take care of your health, diet, and exercise, attend preventive examinations, and hopefully remain free from this terrible disease forever!
