Cancer: a deep dive in the silent epidemic of the 21st century

Cancer: a deep dive in the silent epidemic of the 21st century


Cancer remains one of the greatest threats to human health, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2023, according to WHO. Despite major scientific advances, this disease, characterized by an anarchic proliferation of cells, continues to challenge health systems, economies and lives. This article explores biological mechanisms, causes, therapeutic innovations and societal issues related to cancer.

Understand cancer: biology and mechanisms

Malignant transformation

Cancer arises from genetic mutations that disrupt the cell cycle. Oncogens (like RAS or Myc), excessively activated, and the suppressor genes of tumors (such as TP53 or BRCA1/2), inactivated, play a key role. These alterations allow cells to escape apoptosis (programmed death), to divide themselves indefinitely and to metastate.

Cancer “markers”

The work of Hanahan and Weinberg (updated in 2022) identify 14 “characteristics” of cancer, including genomic instability, escape from the immune system and tumor inflammation. These mechanisms explain resistance to treatments and recurrence.

Causes and risk factors between genetics and environment

Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, results from a combination of environmental factors and genetic predispositions.

External factors

  • Tobacco: responsible for 25 % of deaths (WHO), linked to lung, bladder cancers, etc.
  • Food and obesity: 5 to 10 % of cancers are attributable to an unbalanced diet.
  • Infections: virus (HPV, hepatitis B/C) and bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) cause 15 % of cases.
  • Radiations: UV (melanoma) and ionizing radiation (nuclear).

Genetic predispositions

From 5 to 10 % of cancers are hereditary. BRCA1/2 mutations (breast, ovary) or Lynch syndrome (colon) are examples. Genetic screening allows targeted prevention.

Typology and epidemiology: the deadliest cancers

Based on the data of Globocan 2023 and by studying the typology and epidemiology of these devastating diseases, it was possible to identify the most deadly cancers as follows:

-Carcinomas (skin, lung, breast): 80-90 % of cases.

– Leukemia and lymphomas: 10 % of pediatric cancers.

– Cancers of the nervous system: glioblastomas, often dark forecasts.

Key statistics (Globocan 2023):

  1. Lung: 1.8 million deaths/year.
  2. Sein: 2.3 million new cases.
  3. Colorectal: 1.9 million deaths.

Geographic disparities persist: liver cancer is prevailing in Asia, linked to hepatitis, while melanoma dominates in Australia.

Cancer diagnosis: between innovations and challenges

The diagnosis of cancer is constantly evolving, oscillating between traditional tools and major technological advances. In addition, certain methods today make it possible to detect this disease with increased precision.

Traditional tools

-Imaging: MRI, TEP-scan and radiographs to locate tumors.

– Biopsy: histological analysis to confirm malignancy.

Biomarker revolution

Blood tests detect circulating tumor DNA (“liquid biopsy”), promising for early screening. In 2023, the AI ​​improved the interpretation of mammograms, reducing the false negatives by 20 %.

By exploring these advances, you realize how essential prevention and diagnosis are to improve survival rates. Researchers also work on specific biomarkers who could one day allow even simpler and accessible screening for everyone. The future of the diagnosis of cancer is therefore not only promising, but also carrying hope for millions of people around the world.

Treatments: from surgery to immunotherapy

In addition, cancer treatment has experienced considerable advances, offering new perspectives for patients thanks to ever more innovative approaches.

Classic approaches

– Surgery: Ablation of the tumor (effective if localized).

– Radiation therapy: uses targeted radiation.

– Chemotherapy: cytotoxic drugs, often used in combination.

Targeted and personalized therapies

– Kinase inhibitors (eg imatinib for leukemia) block specific proteins.

-Immunotherapy: Checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) and CAR-T cells (gene therapy) have revolutionized the treatment of melanomas and leukemia.

Precision medicine

Genomic sequencing guides treatments. For example, pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) is prescribed if the tumor expresses PD-L1.

Prevention: reduce the risk of cancer

If cancer treatment is progressing, prevention remains an essential weapon to reduce the incidence of this disease.

Lifestyle

– Avoid tobacco and alcohol (responsible for 30 % of cancers).

– Food -rich diet, vegetables and regular physical activity.

Vaccination

-HPV vaccine (warns 90 % of cervical cancers).

– Hepatitis B vaccine (reduction of liver cancer).

Public policies

Prohibition of asbestos, regulation of pesticides and screening campaigns (mammography from 50 years).

Social and economic issues

The overall cost of cancer will exceed $ 25,000 billion by 2030 (UICC). Low -income countries, where 70 % of deaths occur, struggle to access innovative therapies. At the same time, survivors face physical and psychological consequences (depression, stigma).

Future of research: glimmer of hope

– Genetic edition: CRISPR tests TP53 mutations in clinical trials.

– Nanorobots: targeted chemotherapy transport to minimize side effects.

– Artificial intelligence: predictive algorithms to personalize treatments (eg DeepMind in radiology).

A collective fight

“Cancer is not a single disease, but hundreds, each requiring a unique approach,” recalls Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of the emperor of all diseases. If progress is tangible, the struggle requires a global effort: financing of research, equitable access to care and education of populations.

In short, each scientific advance brings us closer to a future in which cancer will no longer be a death sentence, but a chronic disease.



Related Articles