INCan's Highlights Commitment to Early Cancer Diagnosis

Days before World Cancer Day, the National Institute of Cancerology (INCan) emphasized the significance of early diagnosis in enhancing survival rates and improving the quality of life for cancer patients, particularly relevant given the expected rise in cancer cases.

During the general session for World Cancer Day 2024, observed on Feb. 4, INCan outlined its strategic focus on enhancing patient survival and reducing treatment-associated costs through an emphasis on disease management and control, as reported by Mexico’s Ministry of Health. Notable strategies highlight accessibility to prevention and early detection methods, refining prompt referral systems across all levels of care, and advocating for access to molecular diagnostics targeting critical genes associated with cancer development. 

During the session, INCan's status as Mexico's premier radiotherapy unit was emphasized, with the upcoming acquisition of a new tomography system expected to revolutionize radiotherapeutic oncology and the management of oligometastatic diseases. INCan's radiotherapy department features 14 radiation oncology specialists and 27 therapy technicians. Efforts are underway to mitigate equipment disparities, especially in southern Mexico, aligning with OECD guidelines aimed at enhancing access to radiotherapy services.

Experts and oncologists warn that cancer is poised to become the next global health crisis. "Cancer is emerging as the next epidemic, surpassing cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and heart attacks. While cancer stands as the second leading cause of death, it is predicted that by 2030, it will overtake them all to become the number one killer of mankind,” says Vineetha Binoy, Senior Consultant and Medical Oncologist, Health City Cayman Islands.

Over 60% of new cases of cancer arise in low and middle-income nations each year. These regions see approximately 70% of cancer-related deaths, as reported by IAEA. In the Americas, there were 1.5 million cases and over 710,000 deaths in 2020, with breast, prostate, colorectal, thyroid, and cervical cancers being the most prevalent. Mexico recorded 195,499 new cancer cases in 2020, with prostate cancer being the most common among men (26,742 cases) and breast cancer among women (29,929 cases), as reported by Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan). “Cancer is a time-sensitive problem that quickly becomes deadly, hurting both patients and the entire health system,” said Héctor Valle, Executive Director, Funsalud, to MBN.

Around 40% of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and public health interventions, citing factors such as unhealthy diets, obesity, and lack of physical activity as significant contributors to cancer development. “Prevention must be approached from a comprehensive perspective and not unilaterally. Health must be part of the education curriculum, investing today to reap the benefits tomorrow,” said Patrick Devlyn, President of the Health Commission, CCE, to MBN.