The Dominican Republic faces significant health challenges, particularly with the rising incidence of cancer. Each year, approximately 20,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed, and sadly, around 13,000 individuals succumb to this devastating disease.
This increasing trend in cancer cases is closely linked with aging as well as poor dietary habits that are becoming more prevalent in the region. As the population ages, the risk of developing various types of cancers inherently increases, compounding the health burden on society.
Researchers have found that lifestyle choices play a massive role in the likelihood of developing cancer. Estimates suggest that between 40 to 50% of cancer cases could potentially be prevented through lifestyle modifications. Key among these is the reduction of tobacco use. Smoking is directly linked to not only lung cancer, which alone accounts for over 90% of tobacco-related cancers, but also cancers of the stomach, larynx, and esophagus.
Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol, as well as maintaining an unhealthy weight, significantly contribute to the risk. Overweight and obesity are known factors that increase one’s chances of developing cancer, particularly those such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Maintaining a healthier diet, which includes a reduction of processed foods and an increase in fruits and vegetables, has been shown to substantially decrease the risk of developing these diseases.
By making concerted efforts to reduce these risk factors—curtailing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, managing weight through a nutritious diet, and engaging in regular physical activity—the incidence of cancer in the Dominican Republic could be reduced by as much as 50%. This significant reduction not only has the potential to save thousands of lives but also alleviate the substantial economic and social burdens associated with cancer treatment and care.
