People can reduce their risk of developing several types of cancer by making healthy ^choices ; for ^example , by practicing preventive medicine. This practice improves individuals' quality of life, either by preventing diseases before they develop or by detecting them in early stages when they are more treatable ^.

Through routine examinations, blood tests, and certain screening tests, several types of cancer (such as colorectal, breast, lung, skin, and prostate cancer, among others) can be diagnosed early, allowing for more effective treatment, avoiding complications, and even improving survival rates. ^{^1,2,3} Another preventative measure is vaccination against certain viral infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – which causes cervical cancer – and hepatitis B – which causes liver cancer. ^{^1,3}

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), around 4.2 million 4 million cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2022 in the Americas region, and this figure is estimated to increase to 6.7 million by 2045. However, 30% of these cases could be cured if detected ^early and treated appropriately.

Given this scenario, adults are advised to talk to their regular healthcare provider about their life and cancer history to learn about the screening program they need and the required vaccines. ^{3 and 4}

1.     Breast cancer

It begins as a proliferation of cells in breast tissue. ^⁵ While it is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women in the Americas, ^⁶ men can also develop it. ^⁵

·       In addition to being female, other factors associated with a higher risk of developing the disease include: alcohol consumption, a family history of the disease, obesity, dense breast tissue, not having children or having children at an advanced age, and exposure to radiation. ^{5 and 6} 

·       The burden of this disease can be reduced through early diagnosis and treatment before symptoms appear. ^⁶ Early detection can reduce mortality by 25% to 31%.^⁷

·       Preventive or diagnostic examinations:

either   Clinical breast exam: The doctor examines the breasts to check for abnormalities, such as changes in the skin or nipple. ⁸

either   Mammography: the most important test for prevention. It allows observation of changes in breast tissue weight and identification of nodules and microcalcifications. ^{8 and 9} It is recommended annually from age 40, unless there is a family history. ⁹

either   Ultrasound: shows whether a detected breast lump is a solid tumor—which could be cancerous—or a cyst. ^{8 and 9} It can accompany mammography and is suggested starting at age 25, with emphasis on patients at higher risk of breast cancer. ⁹

2.     Colorectal cancer

     Colorectal cancer can begin as benign polyps in the lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Because these polyps usually don't cause symptoms, doctors recommend regular screening tests to check for them and remove them to prevent cancer. ^{10 and 11}

·       Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world ; in 2022 alone, more than 1.9 million new cases were detected and more than 900,000 people died. ¹²

·       In addition to having polyps, other factors can increase the risk of developing this cancer, such as being over 45 years old, using tobacco or alcohol, having a diet low in fiber and high in fat, being overweight or obese, having an inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), having a family history, and being of African American descent. ^{10 and 11}

·       It is estimated that around 90% of colorectal cancer cases could be cured if diagnosed early. ⁷ The main early detection tests are:

 

either   Stool analysis . ^{10 and 13}

either   Colonoscopy: performed by an expert to examine the entire colon and rectum. ^{10 and 13}

either   The frequency with which tests should be done will depend on the person's risk of developing this cancer. ¹³

 

3.     Lung cancer

This cancer usually forms in the tissues of the lungs, generally in the cells lining the airways. ^¹⁴ It is the most common cancer worldwide : the most common in men and the second most common in women.^¹⁵

·       While not all types of lung cancer can be prevented, steps can be taken to reduce the risk, such as quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, as well as avoiding exposure to radon and radiation. ^{^16,17} However, up to 20% of diagnosed cases can occur in non-smokers .^¹⁷

·       There is great interest in diagnosing this cancer during its early stages, before symptoms appear and when treatments are most effective. ^¹⁸ This early detection can reduce the likelihood of death by up to 20%.^¹⁷

·       Diagnostic tests:

either   Analysis of medical history and physical examination. ¹⁴

either   Chest X-ray. ¹⁴

either   Computed tomography (CT) scan: recommended in adults with a history of smoking. ^{14 and 18}

either   Blood tests or tests of mucus expelled from the lungs (sputum). ¹⁴

4.     Skin cancer

·       Most cases of skin cancer occur due to contact with ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun , as well as from tanning beds and sunbeds . Therefore, reducing your exposure to these lowers the risk. ¹⁹

·       Skin changes such as a sore that doesn't heal, something unusual or a new mole, or even changes in an existing mole, are signs of possible skin cancer. ¹⁹

·       It is worth noting that melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. ¹⁹

·       This cancer can almost always be cured if diagnosed and treated early; therefore, the following is recommended: ¹⁹

either   Check your skin regularly. ¹⁹

either   Report any irregularities to your doctor . ¹⁹  

5.     Prostate cancer

 It usually grows slowly, and if it does not spread to other organs, it may not cause serious consequences. Its cause is uncertain, but it is known to occur when there are changes in a person's DNA. ²⁰

·       It is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common among men . ^Specifically , those over 50, with a family history of the disease ^, and of African American descent are more likely to develop it.

·    The chance of surviving this cancer is quite high, which is why regular screening exams are crucial. They usually begin at age 45, or 40 in high-risk cases. The most common types are: ²²

either   Blood test to measure the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). ^{20 and 22}

either   If the PSA level is high, the doctor may suggest a digital rectal exam , ultrasound, or MRI . ^{20 and 22}

 

Pfizer operates under the premise of striving for a world where people with cancer can ^live better and longer lives. As leaders in precision medicine, the company seeks to understand the biology behind different types of cancer and identify genetic mutations, in order to offer patients the best possible treatment based on their individual diagnosis.

 Consult your doctor.  

References:

 

1.      CDC. How to Prevent Cancer. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/es/prevention/index.html Last accessed January 2025.

2.      Mesa del Castillo Hospital. Benefits of preventive medicine: keys to a healthy life. Available at https://www.mesadelcastillo.com/beneficios-de-la-medicina-preventiva-claves-para-una-vida-saludable/#:~:text=La%20medicina%20preventiva%20no%20solo,tempranas%20cuando%20son%20m%C3%A1s%20tratables . Last accessed January 2025

3.      Mayo Clinic. Cancer prevention: seven tips to reduce your risk. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816 . Last accessed January 2025.

4.      PAHO. Cancer. Available at https://www.paho.org/es/temas/cancer . Last accessed January 2025.

5.      Mayo Clinic. Breast Cancer. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470 Last accessed January 2025.

6.      PAHO. Breast Cancer. Available at https://www.paho.org/es/temas/cancer-mama Last accessed January 2025.

7.      Spanish Association Against Cancer. Early detection. Available at https://www.contraelcancer.es/es/todo-sobre-cancer/prevencion/deteccion-precoz Last accessed January 2025.

8.      Mayo Clinic. Breast Cancer. Diagnosis. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352475 Last accessed January 2025.

9.      National Geographic. What is the most effective medical exam for preventing breast cancer? Available at https://www.nationalgeographicla.com/ciencia/2023/10/cual-es-el-examen-medico-mas-eficaz-para-prevenir-el-cancer-de-mama Last accessed January 2025.

10.    Medline Plus. Colorectal Cancer. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000262.htm . Last accessed January 2025.

11.    Mayo Clinic. Colon cancer, an overview. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669 . Last accessed January 2025.

12.    World Cancer Research Fund. Colorectal cancer statistics. Available at https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/colorectal-cancer-statistics/#latest-colorectal-cancer-data Last accessed January 2025. 

13.    Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Get screened for colorectal cancer. Available at https://odphp.health.gov/espanol/myhealthfinder/visitas-doctor/pruebas-deteccion/hagase-pruebas-deteccion-temprana-cancer-colorrectal . Last accessed January 2025.

14.    Medline Plus. Lung Cancer. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/lungcancer.html Last accessed January 2025.

15.    World Cancer Research Fund. Lung cancer statistics. Available at https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/lung-cancer-statistics/ Last accessed January 2025.

16.    Cancer.org. Can lung cancer be prevented? Available at https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/tipos/cancer-de-pulmon/causas-riesgos-prevencion/prevencion.html Last accessed January 2025.

17.    Lung Cancer Research Foundation. Facts about lung cancer. Available at https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/for-patients/free-educational-materials/lung-cancer-facts/ Last accessed January 2025.

18.    American Thoracic Society. Lung Cancer Prevention. Available at https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/spanish/lung-cancer-prevention.pdf Last accessed January 2025.

19.    Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Take steps to prevent skin cancer. Available at https://odphp.health.gov/espanol/myhealthfinder/problemas-salud/cancer/tome-medidas-prevenir-cancer-piel . Last accessed January 2025.

20.    Medline Plus. Prostate Cancer. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/prostatecancer.html Last accessed January 2025.

21.    World Cancer Research Fund. Prostate cancer statistics. Available at https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/prostate-cancer-statistics/ Last accessed January 2025.

22.    KECK Medicine of USC. When to Get Tested for Prostate Cancer. Available athttps://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/when-to-get-tested-for-prostate-cancer/ Last accessed January 2025.

23.    Pfizer.com. Let's Outdo Cancer. Available at https://www.pfizer.com/science/focus-areas/oncology . Last accessed January 2025.