2024-02-04 08:19:51
Par Kim Lo-a-tjon
Published on Feb 4, 24 at 9:19 a.m. See my news Follow News
In France, during a diagnostic de cancer, the median age is 67 years for women and 68 years for men. The first factor is the fact of to get old. But over the past 30 years, more and more adults aged between 20 and 65 develop cancers.
On the occasion of the World Cancer Daythis Sunday February 4 2024, Eric Solaryprofessor of hematology (diseases of the blood and organs that produce blood cells) and former director of research at the Gustave Roussy Institute (the first European center to fight cancer), explains to actu.fr the causes of these developments.
Actu : Is the cancer rate among adults under 65 really increasing?
Eric Solary : Yes, there are clearly more and more premature deaths from cancer. We note that the incidence of certain cancers, particularly in the digestive sphere, has increased very significantly in recent decades. We don’t know how to explain the reasons, but we first suspect our diet. There are also families who have a predisposition to cancer, like Angelina Jolie, who underwent a double mastectomy (removal of the entire breast, Editor’s note) as well as removal of the tubes and ovaries.
There are pathogens that have been associated with cancer risks, such as hepatitis B and C, as well as human papillomavirus (HPV). Fortunately, measures exist to limit the risks of cancer: a vaccine for hepatitis B and treatment for hepatitis C.
What are the factors that increase the risk of cancer?
E.S : First there are individual factors, which depend on our lifestyle, such as diet, which can be excessive. We would eat too much and in the products we consume, there would be elements promoting the risk of pancreatic, liver or esophageal cancer. Alcohol and toxic products in the environment are factors that can also play a role in the development of cancer. Lack of exercise too. Being overweight and having tissues that are too rich in fat are risks.
Eric Solary is professor of hematology (©Eric M./Encre Noire/Fondation ARC)
40% of cancers can be prevented, the remaining 60% are very difficult to prevent.
Eric SolaryProfessor of hematology
You mentioned individual risks, but also professional ones, what are they?
E.S : According to a 2017 study carried out by the Ministry of Labor, 10.2% of employees are exposed to one or more carcinogens in their workplace. We might mention dust or microparticles in the ambient air, which contribute to the risk of lung cancer. Petroleum-derived products such as diesel are also at risk. Exposure to asbestos has also triggered a wave of cancers (banned in France since 1997).
There are also more cancers among people who have an irregular rhythm, like flight attendants for example, who constantly change their rhythm.
How can we avoid being exposed?
E.S : Cancer is never a single factor, it is a combination of things. It’s very difficult to quantify the risks. It is estimated that 40% of cancers are preventable and the remaining 60% are very difficult to prevent. Obviously you have to stop smoking, but above all you have to keep in mind that there are some cancers that you cannot avoid, and that you should not feel guilty.
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