Cancer has changed. In recent decades, advances in diagnosis and treatment have transformed the way of dealing with the disease, significantly increasing the chances of control and survival. Still, a problem persists – and, in many cases, gets worse: the diagnosis continues to happen too late. And, at the same time, earlier and earlier.
Data from the World Health Organization indicate that between 30% and 50% of those with lifestyle changes and prevention strategies. Despite this, risky habits continue to be on the rise, while adherence to screening tests is still far from ideal.
Medicine has advanced, but behavior has not followed suit
Today, oncology is experiencing a silent revolution. More precise therapies, personalized treatments and greater understanding of the behavior of tumors have changed the prognosis of many patients. In several cases, cancer went from being an immediate sentence to becoming a treatable disease and, in some situations, controllable for long periods.
But this advance has not been followed at the same speed by the population. Fear, denial, the accelerated routine and the false feeling that “everything is fine” cause initial signs to be ignored and preventive consultations to be postponed.
In practice, this means that many patients still arrive at the office at more advanced stages of the disease, when treatment possibilities become more limited.
Today we have many more resources than we had a few years ago. The problem is that we still encounter patients who delay seeking help, even when faced with persistent symptoms.
Cases in young adults enter the radar
Another phenomenon that has caught the attention of the medical community is the increase in the incidence of . Although aging continues to be the main risk factor, recent studies show growth in age groups under 50.
Publications from the American Cancer Society already point out this trend, especially in tumors related to lifestyle. Among the associated factors are:
- increase in obesity;
- diet rich in ultra-processed foods;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- alcohol consumption;
- early metabolic changes.
Furthermore, changes in reproductive patterns, high stress levels and hormonal disorders also enter the equation, especially when it comes to female health. This scenario reinforces an important point: cancer is no longer a disease exclusive to the elderly.
Between excess information and lack of action
Never has there been so much talk about health. Social networks, applications and digital content have expanded access to information like never before. Still, this has not necessarily translated into practical prevention attitudes.
Many people know terms, symptoms and even treatments, but they don’t perform basic exams, don’t maintain regular medical follow-up and underestimate their own body’s signs. The result is a paradox: more information, but not always more care.
Prevention and early diagnosis are still decisive
Despite all the advances, two factors continue to be decisive in fighting cancer: . Measures such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight control, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking have a direct impact on reducing risk.
Likewise, routine exams and medical monitoring make it possible to identify changes at an early stage, when the chances of effective treatment are significantly greater.
The challenge today is not only in the evolution of medicine – but in the ability to transform knowledge into action. Because, although cancer is no longer immediately synonymous with death, it still exacts a high price when discovered too late.
*Text written by clinical oncologist Larissa Müller Gomes (CRM/SP 180158 | RQE 78497), Brazil Health member
