On February 4th, it was the International Cancer Daya day that highlights the importance of joining forces to combat this devastating disease. In this article, we want to highlight the crucial role of science and how investments in research drive significant advances.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but with dedication and support for research, we can pave the way for more effective treatments and, ultimately, hope for a future without cancer.
INTEGRATED PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
Personalized Cellular Therapy
Uses immune cells modified in the laboratory to improve effectiveness against cancer. When reintroduced into the patient, these cells can replace conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What is its positive impact? Its recent progress shows that it could replace some of the current treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy.
Gene therapy or geniotherapy
Uses genetic manipulation to correct cancer mutations and teach the immune system to recognize cancer cells.
What is its positive impact? This therapy can help prevent cancer progression and improve the patient's prognosis.
Narrow beam radiotherapy
Uses advanced technology to precisely direct radiation to affected areas, allowing higher doses and improving treatment effectiveness.
What is its positive impact? Very promising because it reduces the number of sessions required and the duration of treatment.
Therapeutic vaccines
Represent a recent advance in the fight against cancer by using the immune system's defenses. Tailor-made for each patient, these vaccines stimulate the immune response against cancer. However, because of the similarity of cancer cells to healthy cells, creating effective vaccines is a challenge that science hopes to improve.
What is their positive impact? They mark a significant advance in the treatment and prevention of cancer and because they use the body's own defenses, the treatment is not as aggressive.
Greater awareness of psychological impacts
In recent years, it has been recognized that cancer treatment is not limited to the medical aspect. In addition to scientific advances, awareness of the emotional and psychological impact on patients has increased.
Each individual faces the uncertainties of treatment in a unique way, affecting aspects such as loss of autonomy and generating fears of death and illness. This leads to significant emotional changes.
What is their positive impact? This contributes to a comprehensive approach, involving doctors, scientists, psychologists and therapists in treatment.
AGAINST BREAST CANCER: PREVENTION
Despite the progress, the fight against cancer continues, and the population is encouraged to trust medical advances while adopting healthy lifestyles to reduce the chances of developing this disease. This is why we are continually receiving information that prevention is crucial.
WHO recommendations for cancer prevention are:
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight is associated with an increased risk of cancer because it can lead to hormonal changes and increase inflammation in the body, factors linked to the development of the disease.
2. Balanced diet
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants and fiber, reducing the risk of cancer. Some foods, such as citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables, have anticancer properties.
3. Regular exercise
Regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but also changes hormone levels and strengthens the immune system, factors that positively influence cancer prevention.
4. Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancer, including liver, breast, and esophageal. Reducing alcohol consumption lowers these risks.
5. Recommended vaccines
Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B helps prevent viral infections that can lead to the development of cervical and liver cancer, respectively.
6. Sun protection
Overexposure to ultraviolet rays increases the risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen and limiting sun exposure during peak hours are essential to prevent this type of cancer.
7. Safe radiation for health
Ensure that medical procedures using radiation are safe and necessary, avoiding unnecessary exposures.
8. Air pollution control
Air pollution, which may contain carcinogens such as radon, is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Maintaining clean indoor and outdoor environments helps prevent it.
