World Cancer Day

February 4 last year marked World Cancer Day, a problem that affects one in three men and one in four women throughout their lives. This year’s theme is “For Fairer Care.” The goal is for political leaders to commit to prioritizing cancer, creating innovative policies to address inequalities, and investing resources to build a just, cancer-free world.

Cancer can be prevented and controlled by adopting certain healthy lifestyle choices, as the European Code and the Pan American Health Organization remind us. Both agree that the first measure is not to smoke or use any form of tobacco. If you smoke, you can quit; Seek professional help. Also, do not use electronic cigarettes, as they lead to consumption. Make your home a smoke-free home. Maintain an anti-smoking policy in your workplace. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy: Eat as many vegetables and fruits as possible, including whole grains and legumes. Limit your intake of high-calorie foods (rich in sugar or fat) and avoid sugary and ultra-processed drinks such as sweets, sugary breakfast cereals, salty snacks, baked goods and cookies, among others. Instead, eat organic or home-cooked foods. Avoid processed meats and limit red meat and high-salt foods. Exercise daily, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. Reduce your alcohol intake, although the best way to prevent cancer is to avoid it. Use sun protection as excessive sun exposure is harmful. Do not use UVA exposure booths. Find out if your job exposes you to substances that can cause cancer and request and take recommended protective measures. If you can, breastfeed your baby; Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of developing cancer. Hormone replacement therapy increases and limits the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Make sure your children participate in vaccination programs against hepatitis B (newborns) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Be sure to get screened for colon (PREVECOLON), breast (DEPRECAM) and cervical (CERVICAM) cancer.

Although we know the role of genetics in many types of cancer, the best way to avoid the disease is prevention, since, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, 40% of cancer cases can be avoided by leading a healthy lifestyle. .

Juana Mara Gmez Puente

Nurse Specialist in Family and Community Nursing