The word cancer is something that nobody wants to hear, but the reality is that in recent years has become a real problem for public health, estimated that about 2020 250.000 be diagnosed new cases in Spain.
In addition, there are more than 100 types in total, although the most common in men are prostate, lung and colon, and in women breast, colon and uterus.
The importance of a healthy life
The likelihood of a cancer are many factors that can not be controlled, such as genetic or chance. However, it is in our hands have healthy lifestyle habits that will reduce the risk of autism. Primary prevention plays a fundamental role.
Explained from the Oncology Service, composed by Dr. Ricardo Yaya, Carlos Fernandez Martos and Andrés Poveda Velasco Hospital HLA San Carlos.Such as studies confirm, there are practices that increase the likelihood of cancer, are such as snuff, exposure to solar radiation or alcohol intake.
According to professionals San Carlos OfficeAlso it is vital in our food routine. Leading a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, canned meat avoiding or limiting red meat consumption, coupled with increased physical activity, it helps prevent some cancers such as colon cancer.
The medical team also does not forget vaccinations such as hepatitis B or human papillomavirus, since they will be fundamental in reducing the incidence of primary liver and cervical tumors, respectively.
"It is essential that the general population participate in the screening programs for different types of cancer, since they have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing their prevalence and mortality", Advise physicians of HLA Hospital de Dénia, and specify that "It is recommended to perform a biannual mammogram in women between 50 and 69 years for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Similarly, it is recommended to perform a simple test of occult blood in bi-annual feces between 50 and 74 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years, for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Annual or bi-annual cytologies of the uterine cervix are recommended for all women between 25 and 60 years of age ".
What are the most effective treatments?
"In terms of treatment, surgery remains, in most cases the fundamental weapon for the cure of a good number of tumors. However, the role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is of great importance when it comes to decrease the relapse rates of those tumors that, having been successfully removed, present high risk factors for relapse, likewise, chemotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of those tumors that due to their local extension or their dissemination at a distance do not allow a curative surgical intervention " Oncologists comment HLA San Carlos.
In recent years, treatments have improved greatly because of the large number of scientific and technological advances in this field. For example, immunotherapy and the development of 'targeted therapies' expectations have successfully increased survival of patients diagnosed with tumors not susceptible curative surgical treatment. "These targeted therapies, through molecular tests performed on the patient's blood or on a tumor sample, allow the selection of a group of patients who will be highly sensitive to that treatment, avoiding the toxicities of the same to patients who are not going to benefit from them˝clarify the facultative.
In any case, the treatment of cancer requires a multidisciplinary team to address the case of each tumor from a global perspective integrating all treatment options that can offer different specialties.
Unit of Medical Oncology Hospital HLA San Carlos, composed of specialists with extensive experience in various fields of oncology, offers a comprehensive and personalized care for each patient, assessing the different possible options to each case and offering solutions for every clinical situation . These different solutions range from the use of antitumor drugs of last generation, to the coordinated monitoring each case different as surgery or radiotherapy.
