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Seven Tips for Cancer Prevention

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, February 4, a member of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) gave an awareness talk to those of us working at Sacyr.

Through the Sacyr Foundation’s collaboration agreement with the Spanish Association Against Cancer, we support cancer prevention campaigns.

One in two men and one in three women will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Every hour, 32 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Spain. According to projections, by 2030, there will be 21 million new cases worldwide. AECC aims for a 70% survival rate.

This association focuses on three key areas: addressing various health determinants (promoting a "smoke-free generation"), supporting early prevention programs, and driving cancer research.

Seven Healthy Lifestyle Habits

  • Quit smoking: Tobacco is the leading cause of disease and death, with 52,000 deaths annually in Spain. Vaping also contains harmful substances. Smokers lose an average of 10 years of life compared to non-smokers. Globally, smoking causes 1.2 million deaths per year, including 65,000 children.

  • Eliminate frequent alcohol consumption: In Spain, 76.5% of the population has consumed alcohol in recent months, which can lead to cancer of the mouth, pharynx, and cirrhosis, among other conditions. It also increases estrogen levels, which is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.

  • Adopt a healthy diet: Prioritize plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Avoid refined sugars and ultra-processed foods. Limit meat consumption to less than 500 grams per week, as excessive intake increases the risk of colon cancer.

  • Avoid being overweight: Excess weight is associated with both chronic and oncological diseases. The recommended waist circumference is under 102 cm for men and under 88 cm for women. Abdominal fat is linked to colorectal, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, gallbladder, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. In Spain, 15% of the population is obese.

  • Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes. Approximately 17 million Spaniards do not engage in any physical activity. It is recommended to perform 150–300 minutes of moderate exercise per week. The best exercise is the one you enjoy the most.

  • Protect your skin: Safe sun exposure is crucial to prevent skin cancer. Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 4 PM.

  • Get vaccinated: The hepatitis B virus is linked to liver cancer, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical, throat, and anal cancer.

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