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Heidelberg (dpa) - According to experts, almost 40 percent of all new cancer cases can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle.
The biggest risk factor is smoking, followed by an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, said the head of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Michael Baumann, on the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4th.
In addition, viruses, bacteria or parasites could trigger chronic inflammation, which in turn favor liver, colon, breast and prostate cancer.
20 percent of all new cancer cases are due to such permanent inflammations, explained Baumann.
The DKFZ and the German Cancer Aid want to promote cancer prevention with a National Cancer Prevention Center, which is to be established in Heidelberg in a few years.
“You can get individual advice from the prevention outpatient clinic,” said Baumann.
Under one roof, experts will intensify prevention and early detection research, develop digital prevention offers, design campaigns and shed light on the role of exercise and nutrition in the development of tumors.
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There are several viruses that can cause cancer, the most important of which is the human papillomavirus, which is known to be the main cause of cervical cancer.
In contrast, there is a vaccination developed by the long-time DKFZ boss and Nobel Prize laureate in medicine, Harald zur Hausen, which only 43 percent of girls notice.
Baumann therefore advocated a vaccination program in schools.
Medicine has also made great strides in combating the hepatitis C virus with drugs.
Since 2015 almost all people suffering from this liver inflammation and treated accordingly have been cured, as the virologist Ralf Bartenschlager explained.
According to the DKFZ, around 500,000 people develop cancer in Germany every year.
An increase of 20 percent is expected by 2030.
65 percent of all sufferers survive the first five years after diagnosis.
“But that doesn't mean they are cured,” Baumann emphasized.
Over four million people in Germany live with or after cancer.
Baumann warned against slacking off in the fight against cancer because of the corona pandemic.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210126-99-178326 / 2
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