Saudi Gazette A medical symposium on cancer was organized at Dr.Erfan and Bagedo General Hospital in Jeddah on Feb.4; the day internationally recognized as World Cancer Day. Experts from around the world have confirmed that certain lifestyle patterns are directly linked to cancer, and so the theme for this year is “Together it is possible,” that is to change the current lethargic and dangerous lifestyle into a healthy and beautiful one. “As much as two-thirds of all cases worldwide of cancers of the colon and blood are causally linked to poor nutritional choices and smoking. One cigarette alone consists of more than 4,000 toxic chemical substances,” said consultant oncologist and guest speaker at the medical symposium, Dr. Khalid Jalal. A recent report from the World Health Organization stated that 30 percent of all cancer incidences could have been avoided if the world population changed their eating and lifestyle habits. The major risk factors for cancer that we should eliminate from our lives, according to the WHO report are tobacco smoking, obesity, unhealthy junk food, a sedentary lifestyle, and air pollution. Tobacco is the number one culprit behind developing cancer and it accounts for 22 percent of all cancer deaths. Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and more people die from cancer than from wars and natural disasters. The most fatal and most aggressive cancers are lungs, stomach, liver, colon, and breast cancers. The WHO warns against excessive exposure to ultraviolet sun rays and advises women to consider receiving the vaccination against human papilloma virus which is the main cause of cervical cancer.” “Scientific evidence has shown that the primary cause of cervical cancer is a virus, called human papilloma virus. We strongly advise that all women must regularly have a pap-smear exam, around every two years, which can detect cervical cancer. Early detection significantly improves the success of treatment and the patient's chance of survival,” added Dr. Khalid Sait, surgeon and professor at King Abdulaziz University. At the symposium, many doctors voiced their concern over the lack of adequate epidemiological studies and insufficient data on cancer incidences and mortalities in the Kingdom. Lack of sufficient data has resulted in delay in the process of research, prevention, and treatment of cancer. The need for collection of data, public health education, and spreading awareness on healthy lifestyle practices that can ward off cancer was also elaborately discussed. Moreover, adequate reports of cancer incidence and deaths will help the Kingdom in improving their medical services offered to cancer patients. __
