At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective, long-term strategy for the control of cancer.
National policies and programmes should be implemented to raise awareness, to reduce exposure to cancer risk factors and to ensure that people are provided with the information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world today. It causes 80 to 90 per cent of all lung cancer deaths, and also causes a number of deaths from cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, oesophagus and stomach. Globally, tobacco kills approximately six million people each year, from cancer and other diseases. Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control. There is a link between being overweight and obese and many types of cancer, such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers. Conversely, excess consumption of red and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, healthy eating habits that prevent the development of diet-associated cancers will also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. Risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will considerably reduce cancer risk. National policies and programmes should be implemented to raise awareness and reduce exposure to cancer risk factors, and to ensure that people are provided with the information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Infectious agents are responsible for almost 22 per cent of cancer deaths in the developing world and six per cent in industrialised countries. Viral hepatitis B and C cause cancer of the liver; human papilloma virus infection causes cervical cancer; the bacterium Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer. Preventive measures include vaccination and prevention of infection and infestation.
Tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world today. Tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer
Exposure to ionising radiation is also known to cause certain cancers. Excessive solar ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of all types of cancer of the skin. Avoiding excessive exposure, use of sunscreen and protective clothing are effective preventive measures.
Asbestos can cause lung cancer; aniline dyes have been linked to bladder cancer; and benzene can lead to leukaemia. The prevention of certain occupational and environmental exposure to these and other chemicals is another important element in preventing cancer.
Various stakeholders have a key role in the prevention of cancer.
Governments, through a special approach, has the responsibility to promote public health and to encourage healthy food supplies, diets, meals, snacks, foods and drinks in an accessible manner to all strata of the population. Industry policies and practices need to be designed and carried out with public health, including prevention of cancer, in mind.
The media is a major source of information for people, and its commitment to covering health is seen in many countries including Malta. All forms of media should convey the same message by which they inform the public on what influences their cancer risk. NGOs and support groups have an important role to play. Their work is important for cancer prevention. They lobby for various legislative and policy instruments on factors which expose the population to a risk. They also set up support, develop awareness campaigns and help people living with cancer.
Schools are important in the cancer prevention battle because next in line after the family they have the greatest influence on children. They often shape habits and ways of life that last into adulthood. This also applies to workplaces where an employer has various benefits in promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles for his employees.
Health professionals have a direct and obvious influence on people’s health. Medical doctors, in particular, are trusted by the public and give advice on prevention of disease as well as diagnosis and treatment. Other professionals need to be aware that their decisions can impinge on public health.
Prevention is the key to reducing the burden cancers have on our healthcare systems and ensuring a better quality of life for our population.
Dr Charmaine Gauci is Superintendent of Public Health.