Do You Know the Numbers '3, 2, 1' That Wish for Cancer Prevention?

March 21 is WHO-designated 'Cancer Prevention Day'; Early Diagnosis Through Regular Checkups

Daedong Hospital: "Cancer Can Be Prevented Before It's Too Late with Healthy Lifestyle Habits"

Cancer should be prevented before it is too late through healthy lifestyle habits. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Are you familiar with the number "3-2-1," which symbolizes cancer prevention?

March 21 is designated as "Cancer Prevention Day." It is a day established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the increasing incidence of cancer each year.

Experts say that about one-third of cancer cases can be prevented by knowing and practicing preventive activities in advance.

Additionally, one-third can be completely cured if diagnosed and treated early, and the remaining one-third can be alleviated through appropriate treatment.

To emphasize the importance of cancer prevention, March 21 was designated as Cancer Prevention Day, symbolizing the meaning of "3-2-1."

The smallest unit that makes up our body is called a cell. Normal cells maintain a balance in number through division and growth.

However, due to various causes, changes in cell genes can occur, leading to abnormal cell transformation or excessive proliferation, which is commonly known as cancer.

Cancer can occur in any part of the body. According to the 2018 major cancer incidence data released by the National Cancer Information Center, among a total of 243,837 cases, stomach cancer ranked first, followed by thyroid, lung, colon, breast, liver, and prostate cancers.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization, the causes of cancer deaths are smoking 30%, dietary factors 30%, and chronic infections 10?25%, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.

Hwang Hyerim, Head of the Comprehensive Health Examination Center at Daedong Hospital (Specialist in Family Medicine).

Hwang Hye-rim, Head of the Comprehensive Health Screening Center at Daedong Hospital and a specialist in family medicine, said, "Cancer is a frightening disease that threatens life, but if preventive activities are practiced in daily life, it can be sufficiently controlled," adding, "Since cancer often has no symptoms or is unnoticed in the early stages, regular check-ups and management of underlying diseases and family history are necessary."

To prevent cancer, quitting smoking is essential. Avoiding environments with secondhand smoke is also important. It is advisable to refrain from alcohol and salty or burnt foods and to maintain a balanced diet with various nutrients such as vegetables and fruits.

Dr. Hwang also recommends maintaining an appropriate weight by exercising for at least 30 minutes daily with activities suitable for oneself.

It is important to undergo the national cancer screenings conducted annually without fail, and vaccinations for cervical cancer and hepatitis B are also helpful.

To prevent sexually transmitted infections, maintain safe sexual practices, and if working in workplaces with potential exposure to carcinogens, strictly follow safety and health regulations.

Not only cancer but all diseases are difficult to prevent perfectly. Even if diagnosed with cancer despite active prevention, one should not lose hope for a complete cure through active treatment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.