Healthy Lifestyle Habits Can Prevent Many Cancer Cases
Healthy lifestyle habits can prevent many cases of cancer. In light of World Health Day, which will be celebrated on the upcoming Sunday, April 7, Quirónsalud hospitals in Andalusia emphasize the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits as a preventive measure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least a third of cancers can be prevented if we eradicate harmful risk factors.
Breast Cancer: The Most Diagnosed Tumor Worldwide
Breast cancer is now the most diagnosed tumor in the world, surpassing lung cancer for the first time and being the most common type of tumor among women in Spain. The five-year survival rate after a breast cancer diagnosis is 82.8%, a percentage that has exponentially increased in the last 20 years thanks to advancements in early diagnosis and treatment.
Lung Cancer: The Second Most Common Cancer Worldwide
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the world. Tobacco remains the main risk factor in the development of the tumor, but attention should also be paid to the health influence of new habits that are becoming established, such as electronic cigarettes or vaping.
Colorectal Cancer: The Third Most Common Cancer
Another striking figure is related to the detection of digestive cancer. The colon and rectum tumor is the third most common. Experts predict that in 2024, about 80,000 new cases will be diagnosed, or in other words, “one in four diagnosed tumors (28%) will be of the digestive system”.
Prostate Cancer: A Major Concern for Men’s Health
The type of cancer that affects the prostate is next in line. Prostate health is essential for male well-being and experts point out that the prevention of various conditions involves being consistent in its care.
Cervical Cancer: A Decreasing Trend
The diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer have been steadily decreasing for 50 years. This is mainly due to the implementation of screening plans and the strengthening of prevention methods, especially the HPV vaccine, the main cause of this tumor’s appearance.
Cardiovascular Diseases: The Leading Cause of Death Worldwide
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the world, claiming nearly 18 million lives each year. In Spain, the mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease is 254 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Obesity: A Risk Factor for Cancer
Another risk factor influencing the onset of cancer is obesity. It is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. It is defined by the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obesity.
Melanoma: A Rising Concern
The diagnosis of melanoma has increased significantly, although fortunately these are cases where the disease is present in its early stages. In this situation, it is even more important to remember all preventive measures.
Quirónsalud Hospitals Emphasize the Importance of Healthy Habits
All experts from the various Quirónsalud hospital group in Andalusia agree on the importance of daily gestures as beneficial factors for our health. They insist on promoting these healthy habits in the closest framework, the family environment, avoiding sedentary lifestyle, following a low-fat Mediterranean diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption, will undoubtedly reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of certain types of cancers.
