Habits matter

Defense Against Cancer

At SHRO, we believe that the most powerful weapon against cancer is prevention. While our laboratories work every day to develop new therapies and understand cancer at the molecular level, we know that many cancers can be avoided, or intercepted early, through timely and appropriate preventive strategies. Prevention isn’t just a medical recommendation; it’s a life-saving opportunity.

Why Prevention

Cancer is often the result of a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental or behavioral factors. While we cannot change our genes, we can act on what surrounds them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30% to 50% of all cancers are preventable. This means that up to half of all cancers could be avoided through prevention, screening, and early intervention.

Prevention means:

• Detecting cancer before it spreads.
• Identifying pre-cancerous conditions that can be treated.
• Reducing the risk of developing cancer in the first place.

And the numbers confirm its effectiveness:

• Early detection improves survival. When breast cancer is found at stage 1, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. In contrast, at stage 4, that number drops to around 30%.
• Colorectal cancer screenings can reduce mortality by up to 68%, especially when polyps are found and removed early.
• Cervical cancer deaths have decreased by more than 50% in countries with organized Pap test programs and HPV vaccination.
• Lung cancer screenings with low-dose CT scans can reduce deaths by 20% among high-risk individuals.

Impact of Prevention

Prevention doesn’t just save lives, it saves years of life, protects families, reduces treatment costs, and strengthens public health systems. A single screening can lead to a diagnosis at a curable stage. A timely follow-up can mean the difference between a short outpatient treatment and a prolonged, intensive therapy.

In oncology, timing is everything. A six-month delay in diagnosis can turn a treatable tumor into a life-threatening disease. Prevention shifts the balance from reaction to anticipation, allowing science to act before cancer takes control.

SHRO’s Role

SHRO’s research does not stop at discovering therapies. We work to understand the biological and environmental mechanisms that lead to cancer.

Our efforts contribute to the identification of biomarkers, genetic risk factors, and early signs that can guide preventive strategies and public health campaigns. We also collaborate with institutions, schools, and communities to promote a culture of prevention, because knowledge is the first step to action.