00:00, 04 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Cancer remains one of the most common and devastating diseases, affecting millions of lives each year.
Before we dive into the ten crucial facts, let’s first define cancer. Cancer occurs when normal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or tumour. It can develop in any part of the body and spread to other areas through the bloodstream or lymphatic system if left untreated.
Exceptions include leukaemia, which affects the blood, and cancers in organs like the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems.
Cancer is not always fatal. Advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment have greatly improved survival rates, particularly for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. In the US, cancer mortality has dropped by 34% since 1991. HPV vaccination has reduced cervical precancers by 40%, and early screening has increased survival rates, with breast cancer survival exceeding 90% when caught early. New treatments like immunotherapy and personalised medicine focus on both survival and quality of life, offering better outcomes for many patients.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, with 1 in 5 people expected to develop the disease in their lifetime. In 2022 alone, nearly 9.7 million people died from cancer, and by 2050, new cases are expected to rise by a staggering 77%, with 35 million cases projected globally.
Lung cancer remains the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for over 2.5 million new cases in 2022—12.4% of all cancer diagnoses. Other widespread cancers include breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers.
Alternative therapies should never replace medical treatment. Relying solely on unproven therapies can result in worse outcomes, as evidence-based treatments are essential for effective cancer care. While some non-conventional therapies may help manage symptoms, psychological support, and rehabilitation, they should complement—not replace—medical care. False medical advice can not only provoke false hope but also undermine trust in proven therapies, potentially deterring patients from life-saving conventional treatments.
“Fake medical advice can do more than provoke false hope, it can also be dangerous and compromise recovery. It can induce doubt about the validity of well-tested therapies or suspicion towards the medical community, sometimes leading to a reluctance to submit to conventional treatment that saves lives.” Says Cary Adams, CEO of UICC in a statement to Smiley News.
Cancer affects more than just a person’s health. The disease has far-reaching social, economic, and developmental consequences, making it a complex challenge that extends beyond medical treatment alone. Patients often face stigma, financial strain, and emotional distress, which can disrupt their personal and professional lives.
Cancer impacts everyone, but it hits low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hardest, where 70% of cancer deaths occur. In these regions, limited access to early diagnosis, treatment, and screening means the disease is often caught too late, making survival rates lower.
Healthy habits like eating well, staying active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can significantly reduce cancer risk. Over 40% of cancer deaths are linked to preventable factors such as tobacco use, alcohol, and obesity. Public health efforts should focus on creating supportive environments for healthier choices and addressing these risk factors by holding industries accountable for harmful products.
Regular screenings for cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers can dramatically improve survival rates. Implementing resource-appropriate strategies for prevention, including vaccinations (such as the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer) and timely treatments, could save up to 3.7 million lives annually.
Cancer cannot be spread from person to person. Unlike infectious diseases caused by bacteria or viruses, cancer is not transmitted through casual contact, air, or bodily fluids. While some viruses, like human papillomavirus (HPV), can increase the risk of certain cancers, they do not cause cancer to be contagious in the way colds or flu are.
Cancer’s economic impact is staggering, with a total cost of $1.16 trillion USD globally. This includes lost productivity, household income, and quality of life. The financial burden emphasises the need for early detection, prevention programmes, and affordable treatments for all.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This global NGO is dedicated to reducing the global cancer burden. It works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote cancer control and advocate for policy change worldwide. Find out more.
Cancer Research UK. A leading UK charity focused on funding cancer research, raising awareness, and supporting cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. Learn more here.
American Cancer Society (ACS). This organisation is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by supporting research, providing patient support, and advocating for policy changes in the US and globally. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education.
