Cancer is a serious disease that affects many people in the world, including the inhabitants of the Canary Islands.
Cancer is a serious disease that affects many people in the world, including the inhabitants of the Canary Islands. According to the National Cancer Institute, colon and rectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Spain, followed by lung, breast and prostate cancer. Cervical cancer and skin cancer are also very common. It is important to mention that the statistics may vary between the different autonomous communities and islands of our archipelago.
According to REDECAN calculations, an estimated 2022 cases of cancer were diagnosed in Spain in 280.100, a slight increase compared to previous years. It is expected that in 2040 the incidence will reach 341.000 cases. The most common cancers diagnosed will be colon and rectum, breast, lung, prostate, and urinary bladder. An increase in tobacco-related cancers, such as those of the lung, oral cavity, and pharynx, is also expected.
Figures of the most common cancers in 2022:
The most common cancers diagnosed in Spain in 2022 were:
- Colon and rectum (43.370 new cases),
- Mom (34.750),
- Lung (30.948),
- Prostate (30.884) and
- Urinary bladder (22.295).
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (9.514),
- Pancreas (9.252),
- Kidney (8.078),
- Oral cavity and pharynx (7.779),
- stomach (6),
- Uterine body (6.773) and
- Liver (6.604).
In 2022, the most common cancers diagnosed in men in Spain were prostate (30.884), colon and rectum (26,862), lung (22.316) and urinary bladder (17.992), the same as in 2021. Followed by oral cavity and pharynx, kidney , non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, liver, pancreas and stomach, all with more than 4.000 cases per year.
For its part, the most common cancers diagnosed in women were breast (34.750) and colon and rectum (16.508). Followed by lung (8.632), uterine body (6.773), thyroid (4.640), pancreas (4.509), urinary bladder (4.303) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (4.283).
What factors increase the risk of cancer?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of cancer, some of them are:
- Age: The risk of cancer increases with age.
- Tobacco: Smoking is the main risk factor for several types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder and kidney.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive unprotected sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Diet: A diet high in red and processed meat, and low in fruits and vegetables, may increase the risk of colon and other cancers.
- Overweight and obesity: Being overweight and obese increases the risk of breast, colon, prostate, and other types of cancer.
- Infections: Some viral and bacterial infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, can increase the risk of cancer.
- Chemical Exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals at work or in the environment can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Family history: Your risk of cancer may be higher if you have a family history of certain types of cancer.
What can we do in Canary Islands to prevent cancer?
There are several measures that can be taken to prevent cancer in Canary Islands and in general, in the world. Some of them include:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid excessive consumption of red and processed meat, as well as alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight and obese increases the risk of cancer.
- Regular physical activity: Exercise helps prevent cancer and improve overall health.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer and other types of cancer.
- Protect yourself from the sun: It is important to avoid sunburn and use sunscreens with a high protection factor.
- Carry out regular medical check-ups: It is important to carry out periodic medical check-ups to detect any changes in the body in time, and thus be able to intervene early.
- Get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV): Vaccination against HPV is especially important to prevent cervical cancer.
From CanaryDoctor and in this month of February when World Cancer Day is celebrated, we remind you of the importance of regular check-ups with various specialists. If you need help managing your health properly, contact one of our specialists. You will be in the best hands!