I am already 38 years of Research Azalea: the flower that AIRC Foundation elected as a symbol of Mother’s Day over the years it has become an emblem for all women, a precious ally for women’s health which has allowed over time to raise over 280 million euros, resources that have allowed the best cancer scientists to work without interruptions, in an attempt to diagnose all forms of cancer earlier and to treat all patients more effectively.
Twenty thousand AIRC volunteers return to the squares Sunday 8 May to distribute the Research Azalea for a donation of 15 euros. Together, the special Guide will be delivered with information on prevention, cancer treatment and three healthy recipes signed by the AIRC ambassador Antonella Clericialso protagonist of the cover, by the foodblogger Monica Papagna and the chef Stefano Sforza. For those who want to surprise their mother, even from a distance, it is possible to order the Azalea on Amazon.co.uk.
But what is the situation of female tumors in Italy? Last year there were in our country 182 thousand new cases of cancer among women and it is estimated that approx one in three will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. THE more frequent tumors in the female gender are: breast (55,000), colorectal (20,200), lung (13,300), thyroid (9,800), uterus (8,300), pancreas (7,400), melanoma (6,700), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (6,100), stomach (6,100), ovary (5,100).
Today in Italy the 5-year survival from diagnosis reached 65% and there are nearly 2 million women who have overcome cancer thanks to advances in research and the high level of cancer care (Data source: The numbers of cancer in Italy 2021of AIOM, AIRTUM, AIOM Foundation, PASSI).
Focus on ovarian cancer, one of the most subtle, but for which there are new therapeutic perspectives. It represents about 3% of all malignant tumors in the female population and is the 10th by frequency. In about 80% of cases the disease is discovered when it is already in an advanced stage, because ovarian cancer does not give specific symptoms and the diagnosis is therefore often difficult and late. The results of a recent study supported by the AIRC Foundation, published in the journal Cancer Researchshow that some ovarian cancers have high levels of two proteins that regulate the activity of mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells.
This peculiarity seems to make them susceptible to a new class of drugs. The data, obtained from the research group coordinated by Raffaella Giavazzi at the Mario Negri IRCCS Pharmacological Research Institute, are important for the development of new therapeutic strategies for this type of cancer which is still among the most difficult to treat today.
A coupon lifestyleHowever, it can already do a lot in terms of prevention: adopting healthy behaviors could to preventindeed, about 30-40% of new cancer cases. The most important risk factor is the smoketo which at least 17 different types of neoplasms are attributable in addition to lung cancer which, in 85-90% of cases, is caused precisely by this harmful habit.
Me too’obesity determines greater chances of developing cancer: an analysis by the American Cancer Society shows that in 2012, extra pounds were responsible for approximately 3.9% of all cancers in the world, with peaks of 7 and 8% in Western countries .
The diet, in addition to helping against excess weight, plays a fundamental role in the prevention of cancer. Three out of ten neoplasms are in fact caused by a poorly varied and unbalanced diet. Finally, a sedentary lifestyle should be avoided: regular physical activity can decrease the risk of developing cancer by about 7% compared to those who do not move. Exercise also reduces the risk of relapses by up to 30% and improves the quality of life of patients, again compared to those who do not exercise. American Cancer Society guidelines suggest doing about 300 minutes of moderate activity per week or 150 minutes of strenuous activity.
Other stories of Vanity Fair that might interest you are:
Right to be forgotten oncology: “I am not my tumor”
Ovarian cancer: what it is and what there is (still) to know
Source: Vanity Fair
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
