Summary:
There has been a prediction made by the World Health Organization (WHO) that global cancer cases will increase. Developing countries will be the most affected, with a possible 44 percent increase in cancer cases, compared to a 20 percent increase for wealthier countries. Researchers say that these increases will come from the world’s increase in population and aging. However, researchers also say that the increase in cases will come from preventable factors such as our lifestyle and the environment. Cancer can be linked to drinking, smoking, diet, radiation, and pollution. The WHO are encouraging government intervention for strict restrictions on products such as highly processed food, sugar, and alcohol.
Analysis:
The prediction of increase in cancer cases over the next two decades is very disturbing. This is definitely a global issue because it will affect many people all over the world. Although the WHO are encouraging restriction on highly processed foods, I do not believe that will help. Looking at this from the Conflict Theory perspective, low-income countries and poorer people usually have no other choice but to purchase unhealthy foods because often times they are cheaper. Unequal access to resource is evident through this. I believe that encouraging healthy eating will only be successful if prices on healthy, natural foods decrease and if it becomes accessible to more people. Perhaps investing in farming or encouraging people to grow their own food will make healthier foods more widely accessible. However, I know that this is easier said than done. Other factors contributing to the increase in number of cancer cases such as pollution and radiation will be harder to control because they are due to the environment.
Link:
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/02/06/3256511/world-health-cancer-rates/
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