Over 14 million around the world get cancer every year!

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer in the world each year has crossed 14 million, it has been revealed. According to the World Health Organization, the data for 2012 showed a marked rise on the 12.7 million cases in 2008 and the number of deaths has also increased, from 7.6 million to 8.2 million, the BBC reported.

The reason for the rapid rise in cancer cases is believed to be due to the shift in lifestyles in the developing world to more closely reflect industrialized countries, as well as rising rates of smoking and obesity. The WHO has predicted that the number of cancer cases will soar to more than 19 million a year by 2025.

Of all the diseases that plague mankind, none of them has caused more panic than cancer. The number of myths and stigmas attached to this disease is mind-boggling even though there are a variety of treatments for them. In fact, the theme of the last year's World Cancer Day was dispelling the myths and misconceptions about cancer.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of over one hundred diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth. Ina healthy body cells grow, die and are replaced in a very controlled way. Damage or change in the genetic material of cells by environmental or internal factors result in cells that don't die and continue to multiply until a massive cancer or a tumour develops. Most cancer related deaths are due to metastasis, malignant cells that penetrate into the circulatory system and establish colonies in other parts of the body.

What is Cancer (animation)?

Another major issue with the disease is people don't realise the symptoms of cancer until it's too late or they don't realise that they are likely to get the disease. Most cancer victims don't seek help until the disease has reached a more advanced stage which makes treatment and recovery harder. Cancer like any other disease has causes both intrinsic and extrinsic. Tobacco use, drinking, exposure to harmful radiation, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, ageing and even unsafe sex can cause cancer.
Read this to find out if you're likely to get cancer? Here are also some symptoms of the disease you should never ignore. Here's what you should do in case you discover someone has cancer. Here are some things you can do to prevent cancer. Read more

With inputs from ANI