The importance of early cancer detection and proper nutrition for prevention
As part of global and local efforts to combat cancer, a group of leading doctors and specialists emphasized that the fight against cancer begins before it develops, through the adoption of preventative strategies that rely primarily on early cancer detection , proper nutritional therapy, and promoting mental health. These recommendations were made during an awareness meeting hosted by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, coinciding with World Cancer Day, where the latest medical protocols and nutritional advice for strengthening community immunity were reviewed.
Global context and local efforts
This meeting comes at a time of growing global concern about cancer, with the world observing World Cancer Day on February 4th each year. This initiative, spearheaded by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), aims to raise awareness about the risks of the disease and methods of prevention. These events are of paramount importance both locally and regionally, as the Saudi Arabian healthcare system strives to enhance quality of life and prevention programs, thereby contributing to lower incidence rates and reducing the economic and health burden associated with treatment in advanced stages.
Early detection: the first line of defense
Dr. Rania Darwish, a family medicine consultant, explained that the concept of awareness has evolved to focus primarily on proactive screenings. She emphasized that early detection of cancer is not merely a routine procedure, but rather the decisive factor that transforms the disease from a "fatal threat" to a "highly curable condition."
Dr. Darwish pointed out the importance of adhering to the schedule of periodic examinations even in the absence of symptoms, detailing the most important of these examinations:
- Breast cancer: Women should undergo mammograms starting from the age of forty, annually or every two years.
- Cervical cancer: The importance of having a cervical smear every three years to detect any cellular changes before they turn into a tumor.
- Colon cancer: Regular screening for occult blood in stool as an effective preventive measure.
Integration of therapy and psychological support
In a related context, Dr. Darwish pointed out that cancer treatment no longer depends solely on the surgeon or oncologist, but has become a comprehensive team effort. This system includes surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and, most importantly, psychological support . She emphasized that the patient's psychological state plays a pivotal role in the immune system's response to treatment, thus necessitating support from family and those around the patient to boost morale and improve their quality of life throughout the treatment journey.
Therapeutic nutrition: Prevention starts at the table
For her part, Dr. Jacqueline Allam, a senior clinical nutritionist, emphasized the vital role of food in prevention. She explained that modifying dietary patterns and replacing unhealthy habits with healthy alternatives is the cornerstone of avoiding chronic diseases that may pave the way for cancer.
Dr. Allam addressed the nutritional challenges associated with specific seasons, particularly the holy month of Ramadan, when some people tend to overindulge in fried foods and sugars. She warned that a continuous reliance on high-calorie and high-fat foods not only leads to weight gain but also raises inflammation levels in the body and increases the risk of metabolic diseases.
Physical activity and combating visceral fat
The specialists concluded the meeting by emphasizing the dangers of visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs and is more serious than general obesity. Dr. Allam advised incorporating physical activity into daily routines, noting that while Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan are a good form of physical activity, they do not replace regular walking or exercise to ensure calorie burning and maintain cardiovascular health.
