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Prevention: the most efficient weapon against cancer
Healthy habits and an early diagnosis are the most effective tools when it comes to combating cancer. Spain has one of the highest recovery rates in Europe in widespread types such as stomach, lung and breast cancer.
The patient's heart skips a beat when they hear the most widely feared diagnosis of the 20th century. "Cancer" is still today a haunting, taboo word. Sufferers cross their fingers when faced with lengthy treatments and when there is uncertainty as to recovery.
None of this is surprising: the facts are damning. Every year around eight million people die of cancer worldwide, and the number of sufferers grows in cruel progression. The good news is that recovery rates are also growing, as are the discoveries that prevent this illness.
Genes are the dominant force
Family antecedents in cancer deaths make it advisable to remain on our guard. They are also highly valuable when it comes to measuring genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer. No problem. The majority of oncological centres conduct molecular studies to determine a patient's risk factor.
“We run Detection and Genetic Risk programmes for breast, ovarian, colon, thyroid, parathyroid, suprarenal and pancreatic cancers and melanomas. Waiting times for results are shorter”, explains the spokesperson of the Clinical Genetic Unit of the Universidad de Navarra Clinic.
Not all close relatives of those who die from such types of cancer have a predisposition. But if the results are positive, periodic preventive tests will detect the tumour right at the outset, thus increasing the possibilities of recovery.
Timely diagnosis
Early detection tests are not only advisable in cases of genetic predisposition. Women over 40 should undergo a mammogram and a gynaecological check every year, men an annual blood test to measure PSA levels once they turn 50: the results will determine the need to see a urologist to conduct a more detailed study.
Other check-ups are common for both sexes and are advisable in the fifties: a colonoscopy to rule out polyps (not all are cancerous) should be universal, as is a CT scan for smokers or for those who live in smoke-filled environments. Smoking not only increases the possibilities of developing lung cancer; it is also a factor in bladder and mouth cancer and, to a lesser extent, in colon and some types of gynaecological cancers.
The good life
Poor habits increase the risk of suffering from many types of cancer. Excessive sun exposure creates a predisposition to skin cancer. Ionising radiation and toxic chemical agents are also highly harmful.
A digression: it is not scientifically proven that microwaves, communications aerials, mobiles or city smog cause any type of cancer. Scientists insist that such statements are lacking in rigour.
Doctors do speak of a direct link between alcohol and liver, breast and uterine cancers. Being overweight increases your chances of suffering from breast and stomach cancer. A fat-rich diet can lead to colon or prostate cancer.
Being in good health generally allows the immune system to react better to the illness. Exercising and eating lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals are preventive recipes that complement the above.
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Published in Health and Wellbeing by Susana Blázquez on 09/02/2011
This article has been read 1352 .
