Cancer is increasingly recognised as a disease of civilisation, nowadays mostly affecting the lungs or the large intestine. The increase in the number of cases each year requires the medical and scientific community to continually strive to find more effective methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Reasons for increased morbidity
The increasing incidence of cancer in Europe is largely linked to the ageing population. Older people are at much greater risk of developing many types of cancer. However, the modern lifestyle of young people cannot be ignored, including a diet rich in fats, sugars and processed foods and a lack of physical activity. An often overlooked issue is the negative impact of environmental pollution. The aforementioned factors pose a serious public health challenge.
Screening is an effective tool in the fight against cancer - it allows early detection and increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular screening, including mammography or colonoscopy, has contributed to a significant reduction in mortality from certain types of cancer. However, despite their effectiveness, there are challenges in terms of cost availability and the need to increase public awareness of the benefits of screening.
Innovative therapies in cancer treatment
Modern treatment methods, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, gene therapy or proton therapy, are revolutionising oncology, opening up new possibilities for patients for whom traditional treatment methods do not work. These therapies, often used together, increase the effectiveness of treatment while minimising side effects. The latest research and development in nanotechnology and CAR-T therapies are opening up new perspectives for medicine, aiming to personalise cancer treatment, which can significantly improve the prognosis for patients.
Understanding the issues presented is crucial for anyone interested in the future of healthcare, and advances in cancer diagnosis and therapy continue to shape the approach to treatment in Europe and globally.
A detailed discussion of these issues will be on the agenda of the forthcoming Patient Organisations Forum, scheduled for 10-11 February 2025 in Warsaw.