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| Unveiling the Path to Cancer Prevention: Insights from Experts on Preventable Causes and Global Strategies |
Elisabete Weiderpass, the director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), emphasized that nearly 50% of cancer cases can be traced back to preventable factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets, among other contributors.
Marina Pollán, the director of the Epidemiology and Public Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre, highlighted that in Spain, 20% of adults are smokers, and a significant number of men and women are grappling with overweight issues, especially prevalent in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
In Spain, the shift away from the traditional Mediterranean diet is already manifesting in a rise in colon cancer cases.
The conference titled "How to Reduce the Risk of Cancer? Prevention through Research," held at CaixaForum Madrid on World Cancer Research Day and organized by the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), sought to address these pressing concerns.
Elisabete Weiderpass, during her presentation, made a sobering revelation, stating that cancer has now become the leading cause of death in 57 countries, including Spain and Europe. Furthermore, she predicted that by the end of this century, it will become the leading cause of death before the age of 70 worldwide.
This public event, hosted at the CaixaForum Madrid Auditorium, was dedicated to the pivotal topic of cancer prevention. This issue holds exceptional significance because, according to data from the IARC, an agency operating under the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly half of all cancer cases can be attributed to preventable causes, which can be mitigated through lifestyle changes and the elimination of carcinogens.
The incidence of cancer is on the rise globally, with a projected 47% increase over the next two decades. This anticipated surge will place immense pressure on public finances and healthcare budgets, as cautioned by Weiderpass.
Marina Pollán explained that Spain's situation mirrors the global trend, as an aging population increases the burden on the public healthcare system due to a rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including cancer.
Cancer carries a staggering annual cost of at least 1.2 trillion dollars worldwide, encompassing healthcare expenditure, pharmaceuticals, and indirect costs related to premature deaths. This financial burden is escalating in all regions, but the brunt will be most acutely felt in less affluent nations, which lack the necessary resources, technology, and political commitment for effective prevention and treatment. Addressing this challenge over the next two decades will require a concerted effort to ensure equitable access to treatments.
Even in affluent countries, poverty emerges as a risk factor for cancer development, as observed in differential mortality rates for cervical cancer among different socioeconomic groups. To combat this, screening campaigns should prioritize women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Elisabete Weiderpass identified tobacco as the foremost enemy in cancer prevention. She underscored the urgency of global tobacco elimination efforts and expressed concerns about emerging tobacco consumption methods like vaping, which could expose new generations to this lethal substance.
The WHO relies on IARC's evaluations to classify carcinogens. Currently, not only tobacco but also alcohol, processed meats, ionizing radiation, air pollution, and over a hundred other substances have been classified as carcinogenic to humans, based on substantial evidence.
Glyphosate, widely used in European agriculture, is labeled "probably carcinogenic" due to strong animal and cell model evidence, although human data is insufficient. Other substances in the same category include red meat, night shift work, high-temperature frying, and the pesticide DDT.
Aspartame, a sweetener, falls into the "possibly carcinogenic" category due to limited human evidence. Other risks in this group include occupational exposure in professions like hairdressing and barbering.
Obesity has emerged as a significant risk factor for cancer, increasing the risk of twelve different types of cancer. Weiderpass stressed the importance of adopting healthier eating habits, reducing high-calorie and ultra-processed foods, increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Alcohol consumption is linked to seven different types of cancer, and even modest daily alcohol intake can cause substantial harm.
Infections also play a role, with Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B and C posing significant risks. Fortunately, effective vaccines exist for HPV and hepatitis B, making vaccination a highly effective preventive measure.
In Spain, alarming rates of smoking and obesity persist. Approximately 20% of adults smoke, and a significant proportion of men and women are overweight, with disparities more pronounced in disadvantaged areas.
The abandonment of the Mediterranean diet in favor of a more Westernized dietary pattern is contributing to the growing incidence of colon cancer in Spain. Notably, Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain are grappling with high rates of childhood obesity.
Concerns also surround binge drinking among young Spaniards, particularly during adolescence, as research suggests an association between early alcohol consumption and later alcohol-related health risks.
Weiderpass, Pollán, and CNIO director Maria A. Blasco underscored the importance of public prevention policies to promote healthier lifestyles. They emphasized the need to make healthy choices easier and unhealthy behaviors more challenging through measures like taxation. Increasing tobacco prices, for instance, has been shown to reduce consumption.
Regulations are imperative, especially for factors where individual choices regarding exposure are limited, such as air pollution and the consumption of pesticides banned in Europe but used in the production of imported fruits and vegetables.
Weiderpass mentioned the European Code Against Cancer, which compiles scientific evidence on prevention. It includes recommendations like breastfeeding, cautious use of hormone replacement therapy, and vaccinations against hepatitis B and HPV.
Work is underway to adapt this code for global use, which will serve not only to prevent cancer but also to reduce relapses among cancer survivors.
César López-Palop, president of the Fundación Domingo Martínez (FDM), echoed the importance of societal support for cancer research, emphasizing that the entire community should recognize the significance of ongoing research efforts.
The conference, moderated by journalist Cristina Villanueva, author of "Desplegando Velas," was sponsored by Fundación la Caixa and concluded with a reception.
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