Cancer Prevention; An expert’s opinion
The month of October of each year has been dedicated to education and prevention against cancer worldwide; promoting a change in the way of thinking and taking advantage of the testimony of many survivors to raise awareness.
Some statistical reference values
That is why every year statistical figures are handled that reflect the reality that is lived around cancer.
Thus, in 2020, for example, around 250 million cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the world.
Despite the fact that in previous years mortality from this type of cancer was on a downward trend; During this last year, it increased due to the limitations imposed by the pandemic quarantine on many patients (difficulty in timely care, early evaluation, among others).
The importance of recognizing the different risk factors
Although exercise, diet, not smoking, not drinking liquor, are key factors in cancer prevention; There is undoubtedly a group of patients who may have a certain degree of genetic or hereditary predisposition to the disease.
In this sense, the proportion of the latter group was between 15 and 20% of the total cases in recent years; however, to date this figure has risen considerably, reducing in contrast the cases associated with modifiable factors (habits).
Why is it important to do self-examination and early diagnosis?
Undoubtedly, time is a primary variable in the cancer patient, since the disease progresses very quickly and can even go from one stage to another in a matter of days; which can radically change the prognosis.
In fact, patients in early stages of the disease (stage I or II) when the tumor has not yet affected the lymph nodes, it is possible to report a probability of cure between 95 and 98%.
Then there are patients who are diagnosed in stage III, among whom there is already lymphatic involvement and in which case the figure drops to 50 – 60% probability.
Finally, already in stage IV we locate that group of patients who do not have a real probability of cure; but that despite everything they can live many more years and even recover a certain quality of life, when receiving treatment.
That is why early detection is a very important aspect regarding the cancer patient and their prognosis.
Has life expectancy increased over the years?
Indeed, oncology has evolved and has overcome many barriers based on countless research studies.
For example, breast cancer has evolved considerably with respect to the surgical technique applied; making it possible today to shrink the tumor, remove it and preserve the breast tissue without risks to the patient (instead of the radical mastectomy that previously represented the only option).
For this reason, cancer is no longer something to be feared; on the contrary, there is a hope for life and an inspiration to stand up in the fight.
In addition, it is not only about having the medical tools and the strategies for approach or treatment; The patient’s attitude also has a considerable influence.
To what extent does the hereditary factor influence?
While there are many variables to consider, in oncology there are what we call red flags for prevention; and this includes family history.
In particular, colon cancer is a good example of this; since it has a high probability of developing in relatives or descendants of patients who have suffered from the disease, beyond the levels of predisposition associated with the person’s diet.
On the other hand, the reference guides have also changed; and patients who are predisposed should start their check-up at the age of 40, instead of the 50 that was the previous reference (examples of this occur with colon, prostate or breast cancer).
In addition, if the patient has a family history (mother, father, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc.), the patient’s medical history should be taken a little deeper before moving on to tests to detect genetic alteration factors.
Although genetic testing certainly has specific indications, it is possible to apply it at any age (buccal swab tests); obtaining accurate results after 2 weeks.
Should the message of cancer prevention be reinforced?
Undoubtedly, the patient in many cases responds to an incidental finding; hence the importance of information, prevention and early detection work.
Finally, explain the risk factors and apply specific screening tests such as routine mammography; They allow the identification of suspicious pre-cancerous lesions, in order to treat them before the malignant disease develops.
