Factor J students at the forefront against cancer.
For World Cancer Day 2024 on Sunday, February 4, over 470 students participating in Factor J have responded to an anonymous survey on their knowledge of oncological diseases and the behaviour to adopt to prevent them [see news: How to Fill the Care Gap]. We comment on the answers with the
Oncologist Martina Gasparro (University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga School of Medical Oncology) of the Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe (Walce) Network, a "European-wide" organization that deals with people affected by lung cancer and their family members, comments on the answers. Along with other associations, Walce is participating in the Factor J Network, a project developed with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.
Breast and lung cancer are the two types of cancer of which young people are most aware. Does this reflect the statistics of their diffusion in the national population, or does it rather reflect the most widespread communication campaigns?
The statistics known to young people tend to reflect reality. In Italy and Western countries, the most frequent type of cancer amongst women is breast cancer, while for men it is prostate cancer. Lung cancer is quite common amongst both sexes. The latter is not only the most frequent, but also represents the leading cause of death from cancer around the world. However, it is true that, while breast cancer has a national screening programme (mammography) and a large number of patient associations and awareness campaigns, lung cancer patients are still victims of an important stigma. If you are addicted to smoking, you are also responsible for your cancer. One of our objectives as a reference centre for thoracic tumours and as the Walce association is to raise awareness among the population on smoking. It must be considered a true addiction; sometimes resulting from a lack of knowledge of smoking-related damage, from which we must heal and help heal, not blame.
Preventative visits and abstaining from smoking seem to be the most useful behaviour to limit the risks associated with the pathology, while both the practice of physical activity and abstention from alcohol are considered less important. What do you think? Do young people have a correct perception on this issue?
The answers given by male and female students, notwithstanding the particularly high percentage of Italian youth who smoke - especially women - are reassuring. The vast majority of young people involved in the survey appear aware of the harmful short- and long-term effects of cigarette smoking and e-cigarettes.
However, it is clear that we still lack a good information and education campaign, especially in schools, about the benefits of physical activity and nutritional health. These are fundamental not only in the prevention of cardiovascular pathologies (best known and "publicized" in terms of association with food and movement), but also of oncological pathologies. Cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, colon, liver, breast, ovary, prostate, and many others have a proven cause-effect correlation with obesity and unbalanced nutrition. This concept in Italy, with a notable North-South difference, still seems largely unknown.
GPs, websites, and family are the most popular channels for getting information. Many argue that meetings during school hours could be useful. In fact, social media and friends far surpass schools as sources of information. Do you think that these institutions should seriously reflect on this absence?
I finished high school ten years ago. I can’t remember about any meetings dedicated to health, which would have helped to develop the idea of primary prevention in adolescence. I am strongly convinced of the educational role that schools should have in these areas, be it a high school or a technical institute, as not all families or doctors have the tools or the opportunity. Educating adolescents about sexual health, mental health, and prevention is our duty, and it can allow them to begin a healthy lifestyle as young adults. It is now known that establishing certain habits (regular physical activity, abstention from smoking and excess alcohol, protected sexual activity, and adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables) from the age of development makes it much easier to stick to them during adult life.
I would invite all institutions and school directors to organize more meetings (like the Factor J events) where students have the opportunity not only to listen, but above all to interact with key figures from the various health-related fields: doctors and nurses, developmental psychologists, nutritional and sexual health professionals.
Only 31 percent believe that a cure for cancer will be found. Does this reflect the reality of how research is progressing or is it just misinformation about the progress of science?
Especially in the field of oncology, research advances at the speed of light. Around the world, there are colleagues who have dedicated their professional lives to laboratories, pre-clinical and clinical research, study protocols and drugs. It is a fascinating side of medicine, which is very nice to be part of. We are constantly discovering new mechanisms for these diseases. Every day we learn more about how they work and how to deal with them, and sometimes in just a few months therapeutic scenarios can completely change. Having said that, it is difficult to make predictions about when and if the "cancer cure" will materialize. Every tumour and every patient are different, both in biological and prognostic terms. Certainly, if we were to observe the curve of positive changes that have occurred in our field over the last twenty years, I would expect the same (and even more) for the future.
Doctor, volunteer, and researcher are the three roles that young people prefer in the fight against cancer. Do you think young people have the good will and desire to do things, unlike what many adults think?
Absolutely. I am very confident in Generation Z, which at times seems more sensitive and combative on certain issues than my generation (Millennials) and the previous one (Generation X). I find that they have a remarkable ability to discern between fake news and genuine information and a more aware and judicious management of web tools. I hope that they will know how to exploit this advantage, and that their fight for certain issues (for example environmental ones) will also be reflected in their fight for their health rights: access to clinics, vaccinations, information meetings, etc.
Given the current situation of the National Health System, I am happy with the high number of students aspiring to be doctors and researchers. Access to public healthcare is one of the most precious things in our country, and I hope we can continue to guarantee it together.
