One-third of cancer cases could have been prevented. However, it is a desease that continues to claim hundreds, and even thousands, of lives among Costa Rican families.
As consequence, on the International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, the call becomes a plea to take care of health and reduce the risk factors that attract cancer.
Skin cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer are ranked as the 4 most common cancer-types among Costa Ricans.
According to radionnologist Rolando Loría, there are messages that make women understand that reducing the risks could help them avoid or prolong the arrival of this devastating disease.
1. Skin cancer:
Experts are waiting in their offices all those women who, about 30 years ago, were tanning on the roof. This type of cancer is the one with the highest incidence among women, although its mortality is low.
The doctor warned about the current fashion of running, as it is being practiced at dangerous times and without an adequate protection. In this regard, he also drew the attention to those who see sunscreen as a cosmetic: it is a cancer-preventive medicine.
2. Breast cancer:
Although the genetic factor has a great influence in this type of cancer, unlike the previous one, this is the one that kills more women in the country.
In Costa Rica, about 1,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed every year, while more than 300 women lose their battle during the same period.
Genetic factors are important, but age is one of the main risk factors for it. The older the person, the greater the risk, although we have had cases of very young women,
said Loría.
3. Cervical cancer:
It can be prevented. According to Loría, in most cases, it is the result of unsafe sexual practices, either of women who have relationships with several men or the contagion of a man who has sex with many women.
The point is that it is a sexually-transmitted disease. If the Human Papilloma Virus is deposited in a 16-or-19-year-old woman, it is possible that the woman, when she turns 30 years old, has cervical cancer,
informed the doctor.
According to the expert, sex education would be a preventive factor. In addition, he recalled that there are vaccines that are effective when women have not had sex, but they are sold in private drug stores.
4. Colon cancer:
It could be prevented with a proper diet. People have to take care of the portions and the type of fat they consume.
Think of this:
-Having healthy lifestyles reduces risk factors by 40%.
-Genetics is responsable for 30% of cancer cases.
-15% of the cases are attributed to environmental and socio-cultural factors.
-10% of the cases are associated with health care.
-5% of the cases are related to the physical environment.