Preventing Cancer: Central Theme of FERO’s Second Scientific Talk
On April 3, a hundred people attended the second scientific talk organized by the FERO Foundation, as part of the informative lecture series ‘Key Factors in Cancer Prevention and Development.’ The objective: to bring to society the knowledge necessary to prevent cancer based on scientific evidence.
Dr. Josep Tabernero Leads the Conversation on Prevention and Research
Dr. Josep Tabernero, one of the most prominent figures in oncology in Europe and president of the FERO Foundation’s scientific advisory committee, was in charge of delivering this talk at the Círculo Ecuestre. Following the institutional welcome by the institution’s President, Enrique Lacalle, and the introduction by Isabel Estany, Vice President of the Cultural Area, Dr. Tabernero offered a presentation focused on the factors influencing the development of this disease and how to prevent cancer from a scientific approach.
Throughout the event, the doctor shared with attendees his experience leading the Medical Oncology Service at Hospital Vall d’Hebron and the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), emphasizing the role of research, precision medicine, and social awareness as essential elements for advancing cancer prevention and treatment.
Dr. Josep Tabernero: “Up to 50% of Cancers Can Be Prevented”
Primary Prevention: Changing Habits Matters
One of the most striking facts Tabernero shares is that
between 40% and 50% of cancer cases could be avoided if we act on known risk factors
. This does not mean eliminating risk entirely, but drastically reducing it. How? Through primary and secondary prevention.
Primary prevention includes:
- Not smoking: tobacco remains the main carcinogenic factor, related not only to lung cancer but to many other types.
- Healthy diet: low in ultra-processed foods, sugars, and trans fats. The Mediterranean diet is the ideal model.
- Regular physical exercise: not only prevents cancer but also improves the prognosis in already diagnosed patients.
- Reducing alcohol and avoiding obesity: chronic inflammation derived from excess weight is directly related to various types of cancer.
Tabernero emphasizes that while genetics can predispose, environment and habits have an enormous impact.
Secondary Prevention: Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is another essential pillar in prevention. Screening programs such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and HPV tests have been shown to significantly reduce mortality.
Detection in initial stages allows for more effective, less invasive treatments with better cure rates. For example, colon cancer detected early can be cured in over 90% of cases.
Dr. Josep Tabernero: “Treating cancer even before it develops will be possible in less than seven years”
The Impact of Aging and Cancer Becoming a Chronic Condition
Dr. Tabernero also raises an important reflection: cancer incidence is increasing, but mortality is decreasing. How is this paradox explained?
Mainly for three reasons:
- We live longer, and age is one of the main risk factors for developing cancer.
- Treatments are increasingly effective, and many types of cancer that were once fatal can now become chronic or be cured.
- We currently have more precise tools that allow us to detect tumors earlier and more effectively. Many cases that were not diagnosed before can now be identified.
This forces us, says Tabernero, to change our perspective on the disease: more and more patients will live many years after a cancer diagnosis, which poses new medical and social challenges.
Targeted Therapies and Personalized Medicine: A Revolution Underway
The talk also addressed the impact of scientific advances in oncology. Thanks to genetic sequencing, it is now possible to precisely identify the mutations that cause certain types of tumors. This has allowed the development of targeted therapies, which attack the tumor more specifically, with less toxicity.
Furthermore, immunotherapy has opened a completely new avenue of treatment: stimulating the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Although it does not yet work for all types of cancer, the results are promising.
Research, Key to Progress
Dr. Tabernero’s final message is clear: research is the foundation for improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It is essential to continue investing, both publicly and privately, and to foster collaboration among research centers, hospitals, companies, foundations, and patients.
But he also reminds us that the role of citizens is essential: to be aware, take care of our habits, participate in screenings, and support science. You can watch the full talk by clicking here »
