World-Cancer-Day-2025

ld-Cancer-Day-2025

Awareness and Prevention in Nepal

Dr. Nawa Raj Subba


Introduction

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, aims to raise awareness and promote efforts to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. The theme for World Cancer Day 2025, “United by Unique,” highlights the importance of personalized cancer care and the role of collective action in fighting cancer (World Health Organization [WHO], 2025). In Nepal, cancer is becoming a significant public health concern, necessitating enhanced awareness, early detection, and improved treatment facilities.
Cancer Burden in Nepal

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in Nepal. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, Nepal recorded over 19,000 new cancer cases and approximately 13,000 cancer-related deaths in 2020 (International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC], 2021). The most prevalent cancers in Nepal include lung, breast, cervical, stomach, and oral cancers (Poudel et al., 2021). The increasing burden of cancer calls for urgent preventive and treatment strategies.

Lifestyle and Preventive Measures

Cancer prevention is crucial in reducing its burden. According to the World Health Organization (2023), up to 40% of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The following are key prevention strategies:

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Smoking and tobacco use are responsible for nearly 85% of lung cancer cases in Nepal (Shrestha & Love, 2022). Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of liver, breast, and esophageal cancers (WHO, 2023).

Healthy Diet and Nutrition: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains lowers the risk of various cancers. High consumption of processed meats and excessive red meat intake has been linked to colorectal cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week helps reduce obesity-related cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers (American Cancer Society, 2023).

Sun Protection: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen and protective clothing reduces this risk (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Vaccination: Vaccination against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) helps prevent liver and cervical cancers, respectively (WHO, 2023).

Regular Screening and Early Detection: Routine cancer screening helps detect breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers at an early stage when treatment is most effective (Nepal Ministry of Health and Population [MoHP], 2024).

Warning Signs and When to Seek Medical Consultation

Recognizing early symptoms of cancer is crucial for timely intervention. The American Cancer Society (2023) suggests seeking medical attention if the following symptoms persist:
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Chronic pain in specific areas
Changes in the skin or appearance of moles
Long-term cough or voice changes
Abnormal bleeding or discharge
Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
Lumps or swelling in any part of the body

Cancer Care and Government Initiatives in Nepal

The Nepalese government has taken several initiatives to combat cancer, including the expansion of cancer screening programs and subsidized treatment services under the National Health Insurance Program (MoHP, 2024). Key cancer treatment centers in Nepal include:
BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur
Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Bhaktapur
Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Lalitpur
Moreover, NGOs such as the Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center are working to provide affordable cancer care in rural Nepal (Binaytara Foundation, 2024).

Conclusion

On World Cancer Day 2025, it is essential to strengthen cancer awareness and encourage preventive measures. Early detection and lifestyle changes significantly reduce cancer risks. As Nepal faces a growing cancer burden, community engagement, government programs, and individual efforts remain pivotal in addressing this public health challenge.

References

American Cancer Society. (2023). Signs and symptoms of cancer. https://www.cancer.org
Binaytara Foundation. (2024). Cancer care programs in Nepal. https://www.binayfoundation.org
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2021). Nepal cancer statistics. https://www.iarc.fr
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Cancer prevention strategies. https://www.mayoclinic.org
Nepal Ministry of Health and Population. (2024). National cancer prevention and screening programs. https://www.mohp.gov.np
Poudel, K. K., Huang, Z., Neupane, P. R., Steel, R., & Poudel, J. K. (2021). Cancer burden in Nepal, 1990–2017: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Cancer Epidemiology, 71, 101887. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2021.101887
Shrestha, S., & Love, R. R. (2022). Cancer prevention strategies for Nepal. JNMA: Journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 60(245), 89–91. https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.6708
World Health Organization. (2023). Cancer prevention and control. https://www.who.int
World Health Organization. (2025). World Cancer Day 2025: United by Unique. https://www.who.int

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