“We live a worrying reality: cancer is increasing. For countries like ours, classified as emerging, projections indicate that the increase in cases will be sustained in the next three decades. “It will be one of the fastest growing diseases in Colombia, something that we must understand as a priority alert in public health.”
The previous premise is from Diego Mauricio González, coordinator of the Clinical University of the Americas (AUNA), who analyzes the reality of this disease in the country, the sustained increase in cases and how precision medicine is changing the approach to treatment. Insists, in Cancer Month, that beyond technology, prevention continues to be the most effective axis to reduce risks.
“Globocan, one of the most recognized sources worldwide, reports that in Colombia between 124 thousand and 125 thousand new cases of cancer occur annually. The High Cost Account registers around 64 thousand cases per year. This difference shows that we have important challenges in consolidating and managing information, but at least now we have data, which is already progress.”he mentioned.
You have to take care of yourself!
This is what the expert responded:
– What is the reason for this increase in cases?
Mainly, to the phenomenon called demographic transition. Our population is living longer thanks to better health conditions and the decrease in infectious and cardiovascular diseases that previously reduced life expectancy. As cancer is a more common disease in older people, the fact that we live longer naturally increases the risk of developing it. It is a side effect of better overall health.
-Does living longer imply a greater risk of cancer?
Exactly. It sounds contradictory, but it is so. Living longer means more exposure to risk factors and more chances of cancer-related cell mutations occurring. In summary: advances in public health have reduced many other causes of death, and that has generated a proportional growth in cancer cases.
You may be interested in: Fewer invasive procedures: the new era of prostate cancer diagnosis thanks to technology
– Are there advances in diagnosis?
Of course. Although the growth in cases sounds alarming, there is also positive news. There is greater access to prevention and early diagnosis strategies: quit smoking, maintain an adequate weight, get vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), exercise regularly and undergo examinations such as mammograms, cytology, colonoscopies and prostate antigen tests, among others. All of this allows cancer to be detected at more treatable stages.
– How has the treatment changed?
We have moved from generic treatments to much more personalized approaches. Precision medicine makes it possible to identify specific mutations in tumors and, based on that, apply targeted therapies. In lung cancer, for example, all patients are no longer treated in the same way: genetic alterations are sought to define more effective and less toxic treatments.
– In Colombia…
Yes. Genomic sequencing and the search for genetic alterations is already carried out in cities such as Medellín, Bogotá and Cali. It is not a distant technology, as was thought a few years ago. Today it is available in Colombian hospitals and medical centers. This has changed the prognosis of many patients.
-In this understanding, what is precision medicine and how useful is it?
Lot. A patient with metastatic lung cancer, treated with chemotherapy alone, had a median survival of approximately one year. With precision medicine, that median has risen to 64 or even 68 months. In breast cancer, significant improvements have also been seen thanks to treatments available within the Health Benefits Plan, although with recent challenges due to financial issues.
– Is precision medicine expensive?
Initially it may seem expensive, but if we evaluate the impact on quality of life and extension of survival, it is a cost-effective investment. Furthermore, many of these treatments have been covered by the Colombian health system, allowing patients from different regions, even with access difficulties, to receive adequate care.
– How to encourage prevention more?
We have to stop thinking that because someone who smoked didn’t get cancer, then the risk factors don’t matter. That’s not how prevention works. Wearing a seat belt does not guarantee that there will not be an accident, but it does reduce the risk. The same goes for weight control, quitting tobacco, alcohol moderation, exercise, and vaccination. Everything reduces the odds. The key is to educate, not scare.
Besides: In this European city they develop a personalized cancer vaccine, 50% of patients improve
There is no need to fear
Photo | Courtesy | THE HOMELAND
“It is a very serious mistake that the vaccine against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is still perceived with distrust. Vaccination against HPV has been stigmatized without foundation. It is a key tool to prevent cancers such as cervical cancer. It must be promoted more, without unfounded fears. The myths around this vaccine have cost many lives,” said Diego Mauricio González.
Don’t forget
Have a healthy life, following specialized recommendations:
– Stop smoking.
– Do regular physical activity.
– Control weight.
– Get vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
– Go to the doctor for checkups, depending on age and history.
Do click here and find more information about LA PATRIA. follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, Spotify, TikTok and our whatsapp channelso you receive breaking news and more content.
date:2026-02-08 05:00:00
Related reading