On the occasion of anti-cancer month, we would like to review the report on cancer figures in Spain 2023, a document prepared by the SEOM (Spanish Society of Medical Oncology).
In 2023, it is estimated that the number of cancers diagnosed in Spain will reach 279,260 cases.
The most frequently diagnosed cancers in 2023 will be colon and rectum (42,721 new cases), breast (35,001), lung (31,282), prostate (29,002), and urinary bladder (21,694). Distinguishing between both sexes, the most frequent cancers in men in 2023, following the 2022 trend, will be: prostate cancer (29,002 cases), colon and rectum (26,357), lung (22,266), and urinary bladder (17,731). In the case of frequency in women, the most frequently diagnosed will be breast (35,001 cases) and colon and rectum (16,364).
Diagnosed cancers and variables affecting their figures
It is true that the absolute number of diagnosed cancers has increased in Spain, but this is also due to the population growth that has occurred in recent years. In 1990, the Spanish population was 38,850,000 inhabitants; in 2000, 40,264,000 inhabitants; according to the latest data from 2021, the current population is 47,326,687 inhabitants.
It must be taken into account that another factor increasing the figures is the aging of the population. An older population has a higher chance of suffering from some type of cancer, as age is a fundamental risk factor for its development.
According to SEOM reports, there is a relationship between increasing age and the increased risk and probability of developing cancer. Generally, this probability begins to grow from ages 45-49. Statistically speaking, from birth to age 80, men have a 41.1% risk of developing cancer and women a 28.0% risk.
The increase in the number of diagnosed cases is also linked to
exposure to various risk factors
, such as pollution, obesity, infections, sedentary lifestyles, or inadequate diets. In addition to the aforementioned factors, around 1/3 of cancer deaths are due to the repeated consumption of alcohol and tobacco, even in small doses:
- Tobacco is responsible for up to 33% of cancers worldwide and up to 22% of cancer deaths. In Spain, 23.3% of men and 16.4% of women are still regular smokers.
- Alcohol is responsible for more than three million deaths annually in Europe; in 2018, it is estimated that some 180,000 diagnosed cancer cases and some 92,000 cancer deaths were due to alcohol consumption.
Research: the only hope to make cancer a chronic disease
Figures indicate that at least 50% of tumors could be avoided, so prevention is our great ally. To achieve this, it is important to adopt healthier lifestyle changes, not only to prevent any type of cancer but also to avoid the onset of other types of diseases.
In this post, Dr. Tabernero tells us about the habits we should change in our lives to avoid the development of cancer: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl3CFpLomzs/.
Without research, there is no life. For this reason, at the FERO Foundation, we support translational research, a differential model that combines research results with development areas for the creation of new drugs. In this way, if advances occur in oncological research, patients can benefit more quickly from these scientific breakthroughs.
Today’s research is tomorrow’s medicine. By collaborating with the FERO Foundation, you help us move closer to a future where cancer is a controlled and curable disease.
Discover the different ways to collaborate at https://ferocancer.org/sumate/.
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If you would like to collaborate with the FERO Foundation through any of the mentioned proposals, please contact us at fero@fero.org and we will help you make it a reality.
