On February 4, World Cancer Day is celebrated and for this reason, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) has launched an impressive campaign that aims to remind us that, with a healthy lifestyle, between 30 and 50% of cancer cases could be prevented. In addition, if you do suffer from one, the chances of having a better prognosis , avoiding relapses and achieving a higher quality of life are also higher.
The six keys to overcome cancer
SEOM’s awareness campaign, called ‘Cancer. Change your future, you decide ‘, includes a video in which the lives of two couples with very different habits are compared, and focuses on the main risk factors for about a third of cancer deaths: alcohol intake and tobacco, high body mass index, reduced intake of fruits and vegetables, and lack of physical activity.
If we want to not only reduce our chances of suffering from cancer, but also avoid many other diseases and age in a healthy way, the key is to say no to:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Exposing yourself to the sun without protection
- Bad nutrition
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Specifically, the SEOM reminds us that smoking is, worldwide, the largest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality, and that approximately six million people die each year due to cancer and other diseases associated with tobacco use.
Regarding a healthy diet and physical activity, it is estimated that 20% of cancer cases worldwide are due to overweight and obesity, problems that can be prevented in part with a high consumption of legumes, fruits and vegetables , and maintaining regular physical activity.
There are many genetic factors related to cancer, but the campaign emphasizes that, if we lead a healthy life, if we suffer from any, our prognosis may be better.
Beware of homemade DIY
On the other hand, the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has echoed a study recently published in the journal Environmental Research that relates the practice of DIY, modeling painting with the risk of developing lung cancer due to increased exposure to carcinogens.
The study concludes that doing this type of activity as a hobby for at least ten years doubles the risk of developing lung cancer, and this risk can be triple in the case of non-smokers. And it is that, while the professionals who are dedicated to this type of work take the appropriate protection measures, those who do it for fun at home are not so aware of the risks. Experts remember that spaces must be properly ventilated and gloves and a mask must be used when necessary and used.
“Exposures to carcinogens during DIY, modeling, painting or furniture restoration activities are similar to those that occur in certain workplaces,” explained Alberto Ruano Raviña, lead author of the research. “Many of the substances used in them are analogous to those used in occupations with a higher risk of lung cancer, since the people who perform them are exposed to organic solvents, glues, glues, varnishes or wood dust, with the aggravating that many do it for years, as a hobby , without any protection. For this reason, it seemed crucial to us to assess the risk of lung cancer associated with these hobbies, both in smokers and non-smokers, through a large case-control study ”.
