February 4 was International Cancer Day, highlighting the importance of joining efforts to fight 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 a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Still, with dedication and support for research, we can forge a path toward more effective treatments and, hopefully, a cancer-free future.
INTEGRATED ADVANCES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
Personalized Cellular Therapy
It uses immune cells modified in the laboratory to improve efficacy against cancer. Reintroduced into the patient, these cells can replace conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
What is its positive impact? Recent advances show that it could replace some of the treatments now used, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Gene Therapy
It 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.
Radioterapia de haz estrecho
It uses advanced technology to precisely target radiation to affected areas, allowing higher doses and improving treatment efficacy.
What is its positive impact? It is very encouraging because it reduces the number of sessions needed and the duration of treatment.
Therapeutic vaccines
They represent a recent breakthrough in the fight against cancer by utilizing the immune system’s defenses. Customized for each patient, these vaccines stimulate the immune response against cancer. However, due to the similarity of cancer cells to healthy cells, generating effective vaccines is a challenge they hope to improve upon.
What is its positive impact? It marks significant progress in cancer treatment and prevention. In addition, by using the patient’s defenses, the treatment is not as aggressive.
Increased awareness of psychological effects
In recent years, it has been recognized that cancer treatment is not limited to the medical. In addition to scientific advances, there has been an increased awareness of the emotional and psychological impact and challenges for patients.
Each faces the uncertainties of treatment in a unique way, affecting aspects such as loss of autonomy and generating fears of death and illness. This causes significant emotional changes.
What is its positive impact? It contributes to a comprehensive approach, involving physicians, scientists, psychologists, and therapists in the treatment.
AGAINST BREAST CANCER: PREVENTION
Despite advances, the fight against cancer continues, and the population is encouraged to rely on medical advances while adopting healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the chances of developing this disease. Therefore, we continually receive information that prevention is crucial.
WHO recommendations for cancer prevention are:
1. Maintaining a healthy weight
Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of cancer, as it can cause 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 and cruciferous fruits, have anticarcinogenic properties.
3. Regular exercise
Regular physical activity not only contributes to the maintenance of a healthy weight but also modulates hormone levels and strengthens the immune system, factors that positively influence cancer prevention.
4. Limit alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancer, including liver, breast, and esophageal cancer. Reducing alcohol intake reduces 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 radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. The use of sunscreen and limiting sun exposure to the strongest hours of the day are essential to prevent this type of cancer.
7. Safe radiation in health
Ensure that medical procedures using radiation are safe and necessary, avoiding unnecessary exposures.
8. Air pollution control
Air pollution, which may contain carcinogenic substances such as radon, is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Keeping indoor and outdoor environments clean contributes to prevention.