You have cancer! It's one of the most dreaded statements for patients and their families, and it's not an easy phrase for doctors to deliver. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2022  An estimated 20 million new cases and  With an associated mortality rate of 9.7 million people, to put it in more dramatic numbers, 1 in 5 people will develop cancer; 1 in 9 cases in men and 1 in 12 cases in women will result in death. These statistics are alarming and highlight the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.

The reality of cancer is shocking and challenging, both for patients and their families, as well as for health services globally and for national budgets.  This has a significant impact on productivity due to lives lost to diagnosis, the emotional and mental health burden on the patient and their family, not to mention the social cost to families who lose a loved one who may be the pillar of their economic support, emotional support, and role model for children who lose their parents. That is why, in a series of articles, I will attempt to chronicle this scourge, aiming to make an impact on what I am passionate about: saving lives through early detection and offering the best treatment options.

Written by:

Dr. Giovana Bendfeldt Avila

Medical Oncology / Internal Medicine