Many cancers are preventable, and many related deaths, by paying attention to lifestyle.
The Ministry of Health reminds us of this in a statement published on its website on World Cancer Day. It recalls that the European Cancer Plan presented in February 2021, the National Prevention Plan 2020-2025 (PNP), and the new National Oncology Plan recently approved highlight the importance of prevention and early diagnosis alongside treatment and improving patients' quality of life.
The numbers speak for themselves: the Aiom-Airtum 2022 Report indicates that approximately 40% of new cancer cases and 50% of cancer deaths are potentially preventable as they are caused by avoidable risk factors, estimates in line with WHO data which indicate that the possibility of preventing all cancer cases is between 30-50%.
The main modifiable risk factors are smoking, unhealthy diet, risky and harmful alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Here are some evidence-based rules that can reduce the risk of developing some forms of cancer.
– Do not smoke. Do not consume any form of tobacco. Make your home smoke-free.
– Adopt a healthy and balanced diet
– Remember that breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer for the mother
– Have your children vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B
– Avoid excessive exposure to the sun and use sunscreen
– Strictly follow health and safety instructions in the workplace to protect yourself from exposure to carcinogens
– Practice physical activity regularly
– Limit alcohol consumption
– Join cancer screening programs.
