The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) has recalled, in view of the International Women’s Day that is celebrated on March 8, the importance of primary and secondary prevention in the different tumors that affect women due to the increase in the number of new cases. In this sense, they emphasize the need to spread the damage caused by smoking and alcohol, factors that are behind several types of cancer.
The number of new cases of cancer diagnosed in Spain in 2021 in women is estimated at 117,372, according to the report ‘Cancer figures in Spain 2020’, edited by SEOM with data from the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (Redecan ), Globocan 2020 and the National Institute of Statistics (INE). These figures could differ from reality due to the effect of the Covid pandemic, which led to the temporary suspension of screening programs and the difficulty in certain cases in accessing the health system.
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SEOM advises breastfeeding, whenever possible, for at least six months |
The estimate of incidence in women is similar to that of 2020, but the scientific society explains that in recent years a progressive increase has been observed, due in part to non-modifiable factors. Up to a third of cancer deaths could be preventable if the following risk factors were controlled: tobacco (responsible for 33 percent of cancer deaths), infections (especially in developing countries), alcohol, sedentary lifestyle and inadequate diets (insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables).
Especially noteworthy are smoking, the main factor associated with the risk of developing lung cancer and also associated with the development of bladder cancer, head and neck tumors, esophageal cancer or pancreatic cancer, among others. the population to quit smoking and reduce the number of people, often adolescents, who start tobacco use “, they indicate.
For this year, in addition, SEOM has wanted to place special emphasis on the role played by the alcohol as a risk factor for the development of cancer, estimating that up to 180,000 cancer cases and some 92,000 cancer deaths in Europe are attributable to alcohol. “There is no safe consumption of alcohol, since it increases the risk of cancer even with low consumption. It is fundamentally associated with the development of head and neck carcinomas, esophagus, hepatocarcinoma, colorectal cancer and breast cancer in women. It is important to highlight the synergistic effect when combined with the smoking habit “, they affirm.
It is essential to continue with screening programs
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are very present avoidable risk factors in our society, and against which we must continue to carry out educational campaigns to reduce their impact. An adequate Mediterranean diet and physical exercise have been shown to reduce the incidence of certain types of tumors, reduce the risk of recurrence and improve its prognosis, as well as better tolerate treatments. In addition, they remember that “it is fundamental maintain early detection programs for colon, breast and cervical cancer, although this year they may have been affected by the Covid pandemic “.
On the other hand, following the recommendations of the European Code Against Cancer, SEOM advises breastfeedingWhenever possible, for at least six months, limit the use of hormone replacement therapy and if in doubt, consult your doctor.
Given these data, the president of SEOM, Álvaro Rodríguez-Lescure, insists that the best treatment is prevention and for this to improve healthy habits is essential. “Given the data of some tumors such as lung cancer, the gender perspective It is relevant considering the growing influence of smoking on women and its consequences. At SEOM, we are convinced of the need to implement public health policies that incorporate this vision and we invite you to open a reflection on the basic, clinical, social and health outcomes research needs not yet covered that will undoubtedly form part of our commitment for the coming years ”, he highlights.
Although it may contain statements, data or notes from health institutions or professionals, the information contained in Medical Writing is edited and prepared by journalists. We recommend that the reader be consulted with any health-related question with a healthcare professional.
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