Ahead of World Cancer Day on Sunday 4 February 2024, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security has recalled there are measures available regarding the prevention and detection of cancer.
“Contrary to popular belief, cancer is not necessarily inevitable. It is important to become aware of the risk factors highlighted by science and to act together to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle, in order to reduce daily exposure to these risks,” Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, emphasised.
As World Cancer Day approaches, initiated by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the Minister wishes to highlight the efforts made to fight cancer through an adapted lifestyle while recalling the importance of prevention and early detection.
The situation in figures in Luxembourg
In 2022, figures revealed that tumours cause around 1,099 deaths each year. These tumours therefore represent approximately 25% of total deaths, with a crude death rate of 162 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. More specifically, among men, lung cancer is the leading cause of death with 109 cases, followed by prostate cancer (47 deaths) and pancreatic cancer (46 deaths). Among women, breast cancer caused 105 deaths, followed by lung cancer (81 deaths) and pancreatic cancer (52 deaths).
Cancer is not necessarily inevitable
A survey carried out in 2022 by TNS ILRES and sponsored by the Fondation Cancer revealed the level of knowledge of Luxembourg residents concerning cancer. According to the results, it is important to remember that the main risk factors for cancer are tobacco, alcohol and being overweight, outweighing environmental, hereditary, or even unknown, causes.
Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security stressed its commitment to informing and raising awareness among the population, aiming to reduce the risks of cancer through plans and programmes such as the National Cancer Plan (Plan National Cancer - PNC2) 2020-2026, the National Tobacco Control Plan (PNLT 2016-2020), the action plan to reduce alcohol misuse (Plan d’Action Luxembourgeois contre le Mésusage de l’Alcool - PALMA), and the Eat healthy, be more active" (Gesond iessen, Méi beweegen) inter-ministerial National Action Plan (GIMB).
The Health Directorate’s breast and colorectal cancer screening programs have demonstrated their ability to detect the disease at a very early stage and increase the chances of survival. Quality and holistic care is a key objective of PNC2, the ministry noted.
The PNC2, the patient at the heart of the fight against cancer in Luxembourg
The PNC2 aims to strengthen existing actions and support new projects. Several themes have been identified such as the quality of care, the sharing of information between health professionals, the announcement of the diagnosis, access to information for the general public, the carrying out of national studies, the availability of medicines and the development of specialities in paediatric and geriatric oncology, as well as oncology research. At the heart of this plan, the patient receives reinforced and integrated support at all levels of their care. This is the case with the national Colive Cancer survey launched in 2023. Anyone affected by the disease can participate in the study by visiting the website colivecancer.lu, in order to share their experiences and their difficulties. Any patient can thus help document and ideally improve the care of future patients.
Many cancers are directly linked to the daily contact we have with products, viruses, food or even excessive exposure to the sun. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption together can prevent a large number of cancers. In addition, a balanced diet and regular physical activity reduce the risk of cancer diseases, the ministry stressed.
The ministry has developed several initiatives to encourage cancer prevention. Among these, the “no smoking challenge” raises awareness in a light-hearted way of the benefits of quitting smoking and provides support to smokers who wish to quit smoking. At the same time, a smoking cessation assistance programme offers personalised support, advice and methods to deal with the urge to “crack”. Recently, the “say no to too many drinks” campaign was launched aiming to promote controlled alcohol consumption.
The Coordination Center for Cancer Screening Programs also plays a central role in organised breast and colorectal cancer screening, supported by regular awareness campaigns such as “Pink October” and “Blue March”.
According to the latest available estimates, 30 to 50% of cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and applying evidence-based preventative strategies. In 2022, 19% of tumour deaths in Luxembourg could have been avoided by preventive measures. This reality serves as a reminder of the importance of making dietary choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances to significantly reduce our risk of developing or dying from cancer.
“It is a glimmer of hope which encourages us to continue to act actively to protect our health,” concluded Minister Deprez.
