2023-10-28 00:00:17
Not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating a balanced diet are just some of the 17 actions people can take to reduce their risk of cancer. These recommendations are part of the first Latin American and Caribbean Code against Cancer, a joint effort of more than 60 experts and representatives of civil society, convened by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization. (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO.)
Perspective Writing
The Code, designed to influence public policies and raise public awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, aims to reduce the risks of cancer and promote its early detection. According to Guatemalan epidemiologist Joaquín Barnoya, member of Guatemala Saludable and the Integra Cancer Institute, it is essential to follow these recommendations given the growth of cancer cases in Latin America and Guatemala.
In 2019, 1.5 million new cases and 700,000 deaths from cancer were diagnosed in the region, and a 67% increase in cases is projected by 2040, according to the magazine “Cancer Epidemiology.” The most common types of cancer are prostate, breast, colorectal, lung and stomach, while those with the highest mortality include lung, colorectal, breast, prostate and stomach.
Dr. A.S. Joaquin Barnoya
The Code also addresses tobacco and alcohol consumption in the region. Although the prevalence of smoking has decreased, there is a need for regulation of nicotine-related products such as e-cigarettes. Alcohol consumption in the Americas is one of the highest in the world, and beer is the drink of choice in Guatemala.
The Latin American and Caribbean Code against Cancer includes public policy recommendations, such as increasing taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks, labeling products with health warnings, and promoting healthy environments. Barnoya highlights the importance of three pending bills in Guatemala: Cancer Control, Tobacco Control and Healthy Eating.
The implementation of these 17 actions could prevent up to 50% of various types of cancer and improve early detection, which is essential to address this growing epidemic in the region.
The fight against cancer is a challenge in Latin America, and the Code is an important step towards raising awareness and action to reduce the risk of cancer and improve the health of the population in the region.
17 Steps to Cancer Prevention: Your Health in Your Hands
1. Say no to tobacco: The first and most important step to prevent cancer is to avoid tobacco use in all its forms. Tobacco is a key risk factor for many types of cancer.
2. Smoke-free home: Make your home a smoke-free sanctuary. Exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your health.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to reducing the risk of several types of cancer, so eat a balanced diet and get regular physical activity.
4. Activate your body: Practicing physical activity daily is an investment in your health. Move and avoid spending long periods sitting.
5. Eat healthy: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Avoid sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods and processed meats.
6. Control alcohol consumption: Limit or avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Excess alcohol can increase the risk of cancer.
7. Breastfeed: If you are a mother, breastfeeding is beneficial for you and your baby. The longer you can breastfeed, the better.
8. Protect yourself from the sun: Excessive sun exposure without protection can increase the risk of skin cancer. Use sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
9. Avoid exposure to cooking smoke: If you cook with charcoal or wood, make sure that the buildup of smoke does not affect the air quality in your home.
10. Control air quality: If you live in an area with high air pollution, reduce the time you spend outdoors on days of poor air quality.
11. Protect your health at work: Make sure you are informed about the substances you may be exposed to in your workplace and follow recommended protective measures.
12. Helicobacter pylori: This bacteria can increase the risk of stomach cancer. If you have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, seek medical attention.
13. Watch for virus infections: Hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV can also increase the risk of cancer. Take precautions and seek evidence if necessary.
14. Hormone replacement therapies: Avoid using hormone replacement therapies during menopause unless your doctor recommends it.
15. Early detection of colon cancer: If you are between 50 and 74 years old, get tested for early detection of colon and rectal cancer.
16. Clinical breast examination: Starting at age 40, perform a clinical breast examination every two years. After 50, a mammogram.
17. HPV Test: If you are between 30 and 64 years old, get an HPV test at least every 5 to 10 years for early detection of cervical cancer.
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