Today is World Cancer Day. Malta will join the rest of the world in remembering those who have passed before their time as a result of the disease. But it is also vital that we look ahead to the future in terms of preventing cancer, diagnosing it early and treating it.

In fact, there are 1,800 people who are affected by cancer in Malta each year. When looking at the numbers, the magnitude of the disease hits you. Malta has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the world – there are 300 women who are fighting it right now, as you read this. There are 160 men who suffer from prostate cancer and 120 people who suffer from colorectal cancer. But while we all fear the disease, we must also take encouragement from the huge steps forward that have been made in treating the disease.

The worrying trend, however, is that people are being struck down with cancer at a younger age. There have been stories of young women in their 30s having to undergo double mastectomies and men in their early 40s that have had to have their entire prostate gland removed because in younger people, cancers are much more aggressive.

The government is about to open a brand new oncology centre next to Mater Dei Hospital which should give patients more dignity. Anyone who has been in contact with a person who was treated for cancer at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital will confirm that while the staff there are nothing short of amazing, the environment in which they have to receive therapy is not conducive to recovery and wellbeing.

As always, the key to fighting cancer is early detection and treatment. To do that, people should examine themselves and if they feel anything out of the ordinary, such as lumps or bumps, they should go and get checked immediately. People should also get a blood test to get readings on different pathogens each and every year, without fail. While physical examinations can help, it is only through specific blood tests that one can get an accurate reading.

In the case of cancer, ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance can lead to a premature death.

The World Health Organisation says that around one-third of cancer deaths are due to the five leading behavioural and dietary risks: High body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol use.

So while detection is essential, prevention through lifestyle choices is the single most important factor in keeping cancer at bay.