World Cancer Day – 4/2

Do you know how to prevent cancer?

Cancer is the main public health problem in the world and, in most countries, the disease that causes the most deaths. This World Cancer Day 4/2, check out how to prevent it.

According to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC, one in five people in the world develops cancer during their lifetime and the most recurrent versions among the world’s population are: breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and skin.

Breast cancer has the highest incidence in women, followed by colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer. In men, lung cancer is the most common, followed by prostate, colorectal, non-melanoma skin and stomach cancers.  In Brazil, the National Cancer Institute’s INCA estimate, covering the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, indicates that non-melanoma skin cancer should be the most frequent 31.3%, followed by breast cancer 10.5%, prostate cancer 10.2%, colorectal cancer 6.5%, lung cancer 4.6% and stomach cancer 3.1%. The Southeast region alone accounts for 50% of cases.

Non-melanoma skin cancer: the type with the highest incidence in Brazil

Although there is a low mortality rate, it is important to know that anyone is susceptible to this type of cancer, which is the one that most affects Brazilians. Those with fair skin who are sensitive to the sun’s rays are the main target.

Keep an eye out for spots on the skin that itch, burn, peel or bleed, as well as sores that don’t heal within four weeks.

To prevent it, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm. Protect yourself with clothing and accessories with UV protection and use sunscreen, including a version for your lips.

The main risk factors for cancer and how to mitigate them

Conheça a seguir os principais fatores comportamentais e alimentares relacionados ao desenvolvimento da doença.

Here are the main behavioral and dietary factors related to the development of the disease.

1. High body fat: avoid ultra-processed foods, full of additives, sugar and salt, and prioritize real food.

2. Low consumption of fruit and vegetables: rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals, they are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Make sure you get your daily portions.

3. Lack of physical activity: a sedentary lifestyle influences weight control and body fat levels, affecting hormones and inflammatory markers in the body. Exercise at least 150 minutes a week.

4. Use of alcoholic beverages: any amount ingested contributes to increasing the risk of cancer, as alcohol causes a metabolic mess. Avoid consumption.

5. Smoking: tobacco contains dozens of carcinogenic substances. Nicotine, for example, promotes the proliferation of cancer cells, causing various types of cancer. In addition to traditional cigarettes, hookahs and electronic cigarettes are also harmful to health. Don’t smoke.

A sure-fire duo: lifestyle + medical care

Based on current scientific evidence, it is known that at least 40% of all cases can be prevented by changing habits and another large proportion can be cured through early diagnosis.

In practice, this means adopting a healthy lifestyle, mitigating the risks mentioned above, as well as attending routine medical appointments and keeping up with your health.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic medicine is becoming increasingly efficient and, if the disease is detected, treatments are also evolving, with new drugs and approaches that broaden the prospects, prevention and chances of a cure.

Have a preventive medical check-up at least once a year. There are chances of prevention and cure.

Maintain vigilance and healthy habits to fight cancer!

Clique here and watch our video.