“Cancer is already the leading cause of death in 57 countries, including all European countries,” and by the end of the century it will become “the leading cause of death before the age of 70 in all countries around the world.” ” “,explain Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) daytime How to reduce your risk of cancer? For prevention, research, organization National Center for Research on Cancer (CNIO) on the occasion World Cancer Research Day.
The event is open to the public and hosted on el Auditorium of the Forum of the Savings Bank of Madrid, dedicated to cancer prevention.This is an area of particular importance because, according to IAR dataC, the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), About half of all cancer cases are caused by preventable causes and can therefore be avoided by changing habits and eliminating carcinogens.
The incidence of cancer is increasing.It is expected that in the next twenty years increased by 47%, Wadepas warned that this means “increasing pressure on public finances and health budgets”.
He explained that the situation in Spain is completely consistent with the international situation Marina Pollán, Director of the National Center of Epidemiology (Institute of Health Carlos III, ISCIII): “We have one of the highest life expectancies; but an aging population leaves our health system, which has always been very good, universal and public, exposed to a tsunami of cancer cases as the aging population translates into an increase in chronic diseases.”
Cancer costs the world $1.2 trillion every year
It is estimated that the annual cost of cancer is at least 1.2 trillion (millions) of dollars globally, Wadepath said. This figure includes specific health care and pharmaceutical costs as well as indirect costs (such as lost productivity due to premature death) which are increasing in all countries.
But the increases are not equal.where will it be This is especially true in poor countries: “Countries with fewer resources, no technology to diagnose and treat cancer, and insufficient political climate for effective prevention will be the most severely affected,” warned Wadepas. For him, “promoting equitable access to treatment “The next 20 years will be crucial to solving this problem,” he stressed.
Poverty is also a risk factor in Spain
poverty vs. Cancer risk also exists in rich countries, taking into account the incidence rates in different social groups. Weiderpass presented data on cervical cancer, which can be prevented through regular testing and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
“In Europe, we found huge differences in cervical cancer mortality between the richest and most educated women and the poorest and least educated women,” said the director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. To avoid this, There is a need to “target screening campaigns primarily at women of lower socioeconomic status.”
Tobacco, the main “public enemy” also exists in the form of “e-cigarettes”
About the major carcinogenic habits and substances, Vedpath specifically mentioned tobacco: “He is public enemy number one. The most important step we should take today is to eliminate tobacco globally,” he stressed. “I am very worried about new consumption methods, such as e-cigarettes, because they open the door to a new generation. .Dependence on a substance that will kill many people.”
The World Health Organization is based on Weiderpass administers assessments for the identification and classification of carcinogens by agencies. There is currently sufficient evidence that in addition to tobacco, alcohol, sausage (processed meat), ionizing radiation, air pollution and more than a hundred other substances are carcinogenic to humans.
Glyphosate, night work and red meat
herbicide glyphosate, It is widely used in European agriculture but is “possibly carcinogenic” because the World Health Organization has conclusive evidence that it causes cancer in animal and cell models, but not enough data in humans.In the same category there is red meat, jobs in night shift, High temperature frying and pesticide DDT, etc.
he aspartame, Wadepas emphasized that consumption of this sweetener does not prevent obesity and is considered “possibly carcinogenic.” This is a subgroup of the classification for which there is even less evidence in humans, and which includes risks such as occupational exposure for hairdressing and barbershop workers.
‘Very effective’ vaccine protects against alcohol, obesity and infections
Experts also pointed out obesityIt is an increasingly important factor in increasing the risk of 12 different types of cancer. Wadepas reviewed the importance of limiting intake of high-calorie and ultra-processed products; eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts; and engaging in daily physical activity.
at what time to alcohol, “It’s been linked to up to seven different types of cancer. Just two drinks a day is enough to do very much damage,” Wadepas said.
Another risk factor is infection.The most important pathogens are Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B and C. “Fortunately, we have at least two very effective vaccines: the HPV vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine,” Weiderpass added. “Investment in vaccination is one of the most effective measures a government can take.”
Spain: Abandonment of Mediterranean diet leads to increased overweight and cancer among children
Marina Pollan Latest smoking and obesity data in Spain: e20% of Spanish adults smoke and two-thirds of men and half of women are overweight. As in other countries, the problem affects more disadvantaged areas.
he Give up the Mediterranean diet (vegetables, legumes, fruits, olive oil, nuts, small amounts of meat) has been noted clinically: “We are changing our Anglo-Saxon-influenced diet” and the consequences are already “especially in colorectal cancer” ” is shown in the incidence rate. “This is currently one of the major cancers in our country.”
this Mediterranean countries, Italy, Greece and Spain“We currently lead the way in rates of overweight and obesity among children.”
he bottle Young Spaniards are also worrying: “They consume a lot of alcohol in a very short period of time. We still don’t have epidemiological methods to measure how this translates into cancer rates, but it doesn’t,” National Epidemiology Center director predicts.
Poland said recent research shows that “the greatest association between alcohol and breast cancer occurs with drinking during adolescence”; furthermore, “those who begin consumption in adolescence should maintain or increase consumption later in life.”
Policies that make healthy things easy and unhealthy things difficult
Weiderpass, Pollan and CNIO Director Maria A. Blasco explained at the meeting how the CNIO conducts its research – They stressed the importance of public prevention policies at the roundtable. We must “make healthy things easy and unhealthy things difficult.” For example, through taxes. For example, there is evidence that raising tobacco prices reduces consumption.
regulations They are especially necessary for factors to which we have no choice whether to be exposed, such as air pollution or ingestion of pesticides banned in Europe.but not in other regions that import fruits and vegetables.
european cancer code
Wade Pass Recalling that the scientific evidence on prevention is compiled in the European Code against Cancer, These include lesser-known habits such as:
- Breastfeeding is recommended.
- Moderate hormone replacement therapy.
- Vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B and girls against HPV.
- Find out if we are exposed to radon in our homes.
- Find out if we are exposed to carcinogens at work.
Currently working on Make the code applicable to other parts of the planet “It is important to establish global cancer regulations” that can also help prevent recurrence in cancer survivors.
Roundtable The event was also attended by César López-Palop, President of the Domingo Martínez Foundation (FDM), a member institution of the Friends of CNIO charity initiative. Lopez-Palop emphasized the importance of society as a whole understanding the need for cancer research.
The day’s activities were hosted and introduced by reporters Cristina Villanueva, author of Deploying Candles. The event ended with Spanish wines, supported by the “la Caixa” foundation.
Access more responsible information in our digital library of jointly responsible publications.