Cancer and vision loss are two scourges that affect millions of people. Yet, considerable progress has been made in prevention, screening, and treatment. This article aims to inform, without ever replacing medical advice, about actions that can save lives and preserve vision.
Introduction
Cancer and eye diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Yet, a third of cancers could be prevented through simple preventative measures: quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and protecting yourself from the sun. Similarly, regular screenings allow for the early detection of tumors or eye diseases (glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) before they lead to irreversible damage.
This article presents essential information on prevention and screening, without ever giving medical advice. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Understanding the problem
Cancer and vision loss share common risk factors: aging, smoking, UV exposure, an unbalanced diet, and certain genetic predispositions. But they also have their own specific characteristics. Cancer is a cellular disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation. Vision loss can result from diseases of the lens (cataracts), the optic nerve (glaucoma), the retina (age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy), or eye tumors.
Common and specific risk factors
- Smoking: a major risk factor for many cancers and for AMD.
- Sun exposure: UV rays are responsible for skin cancers and cataracts.
- Diet: excess sugars, saturated fats, deficiency in antioxidants.
- Sedentary lifestyle: promotes obesity, a risk factor for several cancers.
- Family history: genetic predisposition to certain cancers and glaucomas.
- Age: the main risk factor for most cancers and eye diseases.
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