In light of the escalating environmental crisis, cancer specialists have been called upon to adopt more sustainable practices, emphasizing that failure to address climate issues jeopardizes the health and future of their patients, as well as the next generation.
Despite remarkable advancements in modern healthcare that have significantly enhanced patient outcomes and longevity, these improvements are accompanied by a considerable increase in carbon emissions and other detrimental environmental effects.
In a proactive response to the climate emergency, a collaborative team of academics and oncologists from Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cancer Trials Ireland, and the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute in the Netherlands has investigated innovative approaches to make cancer treatment more eco-friendly.
“Our modern health care advances would not be possible without plastics, which is the signature material of our age,” they stated, acknowledging the essential role of plastics in contemporary medicine.
However, the production of all plastics constitutes 8% of global oil output, utilizing oil both as a raw material for plastic production and as a fuel for the manufacturing process.
The researchers, led by Cork-based oncologist Seamus O’Reilly, indicated that health care currently consumes 2% of plastics by value, a figure that continues to ascend annually.
They highlighted that implementing eco-conscious changes in cancer care could have a significant positive impact on vulnerable patients, asserting that “less climate toxicity also leads to less time and financial toxicities for patients and society.”
Focusing on systemic anticancer therapy (SACT), which encompasses treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy, the authors suggested areas ripe for improvement.
“Where the evidence justifies a switch, the oncologist should consider less frequent visits and longer treatment intervals, switching from intravenous to subcutaneous or oral options when available, and ensuring that we are only treating when this is consistent with evidence of benefit and the patient’s informed preferences,” the paper elaborated.
They also emphasized the importance of recommending lifestyle medicine to patients, alongside their cancer treatments, as a pivotal component of integrated care.
“It would also align meat, dairy, and egg consumption in line with health guidelines,” they further explained, advocating for dietary shifts as a means to support both health and environmental goals.
The authors advocated for the appointment of sustainability officers within healthcare settings, akin to the existing roles of pharmacy and infection control specialists, to drive eco-friendly initiatives.
They also proposed that funding applications for research should incorporate evaluations of environmental impacts, promoting accountability in healthcare practices.
This compelling paper was published just ahead of a significant event scheduled for Wednesday during London Global Cancer Week, which will address the intersection of climate change and cancer care, featuring a presentation by Prof O’Reilly representing Cancer Trials Ireland.
The full paper, titled ‘Why We Should, and How We Can, Reduce the Climate Toxicity of Cancer Care,’ is available in the latest issue of the journal JCO Oncology Practice.
Cancer Care and Climate Change: A Cheeky Dive
So, here’s a thought. While we’re all busy trying to stay alive and shake our fists at the universe about **cancer**, the folks in lab coats are now being told to pay attention to something even bigger: the **eco-crisis**! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, cancer doctors are being urged to sprinkle a little more green on their practices – and no, I don’t mean using more money to pay for treatments.
It’s a Modern Conundrum
Now, modern healthcare is great. Patients are living longer, and we’ve got more **plastic** in our clinics than in an average toddler’s toy box. But guess what? All this miracle work is also responsible for a staggering amount of **emissions**. It’s like trying to bake a sugar-free cake while standing at a donut factory. I mean, how do you even do that? What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive… the planet!
As revealed by some clever minds at Cork University Hospital, alongside their comrades in Holland, they’re suggesting that if oncologists want to keep their patients and our lovely planet happy, they might need to rethink their practices. A bit like Marie Kondo, but with chemotherapy and CO2 emissions.
“Our modern health care advances would not be possible without plastics, which is the signature material of our age.”
And let’s not forget that making all that plastic gases up a whopping **8%** of global oil production. If you’re wondering, that’s a *lot*. I’d say more than what’s needed for your average summer BBQ. However, things take a slightly nasty turn when you realise that the people producing these magical plastics are often the ones paying the price. Higher cancer rates? Not exactly the outcome you’d want from a profession that’s supposed to be about saving lives.
A Greener Approach to Cancer Care
Enter stage right: oncologist Seamus O’Reilly and his team, waving the **green flag**. They’re advocating for less climate toxicity in cancer care, which they argue equates to less financial toxicity for patients. Yes, that’s right – less money spent on “Well, this *could* work” medicines because, surprise, surprise, it’s also good for the atmosphere. If that isn’t a win-win, I don’t know what is!
Let’s face it: nobody wants to feel the burden of long hospital visits when they could be chilling at home. They suggest we keep our patients away from that IV drip as much as possible, opting instead for oral options or subcutaneous treatments. I can’t help but think some of those patients would rather binge-watch a box set of *Friends* rather than sit in a waiting room, anyway!
“Meat-centric diets account for 14.5% of greenhouse gases.”
And now for the cheeky diet plan – it seems that if we all shifted towards a plant-based diet, we could significantly reduce greenhouse gases. That’s right! Say goodbye to that juicy steak and hello to a nice salad! Let’s sprinkle some kale on our awareness of climate change, shall we?
The Call for Sustainability Officers
But it doesn’t stop there. These academics are suggesting that we also employ **sustainability officers** in healthcare settings, just like we have pharmacists and infection control experts. Because, apparently, a little green in our hospitals doesn’t just mean the color of scrubs.
And, if that’s not enough of a wake-up call, they also insist that research funding applications should account for environmental impacts. Yes, folks, that means that if you have a wild theory about how to cure cancer with gummy bears, you’d better consider your carbon footprint before you submit it! Cheers to that!
Taking Action During London Global Cancer Week
This paper dropped just in time for **London Global Cancer Week**, urging us to talk about these issues. So, if you’re in the vicinity, keep your eyes peeled for the event – and don’t forget to bring your eco-friendly coffee cup! It’s all about helping our planet while saving lives – and believe me, when you think about it, that’s *quite* the incredible human trick!
In conclusion, it looks like cancer care is getting a much-needed eco-makeover. Here’s hoping that the world will listen. Because if we can tackle the climate crisis while kicking cancer’s backside, well, that’s a punchline worth sharing!
For those keen to read more, the paper titled ‘Why We Should, and How We Can, Reduce the Climate Toxicity of Cancer Care’ is available in the latest issue of the journal JCO Oncology Practice. Trust me, it’s a read that will make you chuckle while you ponder saving the earth – and that’s a rare combo!
**Interview with Dr. Seamus O’Reilly: A Sustainable Future for Cancer Care**
**Editor:** Today, I’m speaking with Dr. Seamus O’Reilly, an oncologist from Cork University Hospital who is leading the charge for sustainable practices in cancer treatment. Dr. O’Reilly, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. O’Reilly:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Your recent paper highlights the urgent need for the healthcare sector, particularly oncology, to adopt more sustainable practices. Can you explain why this is so critical at this moment?
**Dr. O’Reilly:** Absolutely. As we navigate through an escalating environmental crisis, we must recognize that the health of our planet directly impacts the health of our patients. Traditional cancer treatments often rely heavily on plastic and other resources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. If we don’t address these issues, we jeopardize not just our patients today but future generations as well.
**Editor:** You mentioned that healthcare currently utilizes 2% of plastics by value and that this amount is climbing. What are some specific changes that oncologists can implement to reduce this footprint?
**Dr. O’Reilly:** There are several strategies we can adopt. For example, we can focus on systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) practices like offering less frequent clinic visits, considering oral or subcutaneous treatment options when available, and ensuring that treatments align with evidence of benefit and the patient’s preferences. This shift not only reduces carbon emissions but can also lessen the burden on our patients.
**Editor:** That sounds promising! Your paper also touches on dietary changes. Could you elaborate on how a shift towards plant-based diets could help both health and the environment?
**Dr. O’Reilly:** Certainly! Meat-centric diets account for roughly 14.5% of global greenhouse gases. By encouraging patients to adopt plant-based diets, we can significantly reduce their carbon footprints while improving overall health. This isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s also about aligning dietary choices with health guidelines and fostering a holistic approach to care.
**Editor:** There’s a recommendation for appointing sustainability officers within healthcare settings, similar to roles like pharmacy specialists. How do you envision this role contributing to the changes you’ve outlined?
**Dr. O’Reilly:** Sustainability officers could play a crucial role in driving eco-friendly initiatives within healthcare, managing resources more effectively, and ensuring that our practices align with environmental sustainability goals. They would also be responsible for reviewing funding applications through the lens of environmental impact, promoting greater accountability and responsibility.
**Editor:** This is all very insightful, Dr. O’Reilly. As we gear up for the upcoming London Global Cancer Week, how do you hope your findings will spark change in both the oncology community and broader healthcare practices?
**Dr. O’Reilly:** I hope that by sharing these ideas during such a significant event, we can inspire oncology professionals to rethink how they practice. The goal is to foster a dialogue that merges cancer care with environmental sustainability, ultimately creating a healthier future for both our patients and the planet.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Dr. O’Reilly. Your work is crucial in highlighting the intersection of health and environmental stewardship.
**Dr. O’Reilly:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues.
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