More than 1/3 cancers could be prevented by interventions: PAHO

More than one-third of cancers could be prevented by extensive interventions and change of lifestyles, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Thursday, the World Cancer Day.

"More than one-third of cancers could be prevented by reducing risk factors for cancer and other noncommunicable diseases, particularly smoking, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and harmful use of alcohol," said the World Health Organization's (WHO)regional office.

Lifestyle changes and early detection are key to minimizing the incidence and effects of cancer, said PAHO.

"Cancer is a growing problem in the Americas and worldwide for several reasons, chief among them is aging and lifestyle that increase cancer risks," the agency said.

According to the PAHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Americas, with 1.3 million fatal victims each year, and that number could rise to 1.9 million cancer deaths by the year 2025.

Approximately 52 percent of new cancer cases and 35 percent of cancer deaths "are in people at the age of 65 and younger, in the prime of their lives," said PAHO.

The leading types of cancer in the region are lung, prostate and colorectal cancers for men, and breast, lung and cervical cancer for women.

In conjunction with health ministries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, PAHO has been working to promote healthier habits, including quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, moderating alcohol intake, and exercising or playing a sport.

Cuba has 28 cancer fighting drugs in various stages of development, ranging from vaccines to monoclonal antibodies, interferons and peptides, which aim to transform cancer from a lethal affliction to a manageable chronic condition, said scientist Rolando Perez Rodriguez of the Center for Molecular Immunology. Endi