Havana, Cuba.- Considered the second cause of death in Cuba, cancer shows an upward trend in terms of new cases, however mortality has a tendency, a specialist told Prensa Latina.

On occasion of the World Cancer Day, making on February 4, Cuba exhibits several results.

Such trends have been taking place for a few years and despite the incidence rate, that is, the new cases increase, the mortality remains. By late 2018, there were 966 dealth less compared to the previous year, the data state.

Maria Caridad Rubio, head of the Cancer Control Program, said that the highest incidence in Cuba occurs in skin cancer, however this kind of disease is not considered fatal.

Data estimate that eight locations occupy 62 percent of the cases, and lung cancer ranks first in the list in both sexes.

Following are breast cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer and cervical cancer for female, while in men, prostate cancer, colon cancer, laryngeal cancer and urinary tract cancer rank second to fifth cause of death, respectively.

According to the specialist, the strategy of the comprehensive program carried out in Cuba has a basis in primary healthcare, in which there are defined functions, among them the periodic physical examination of people at risk, dispensation of cases and health education.

When referring to the risk factors, focused on the prevention work, he explained that there is a causal association in Cuba with respect to cancer: smoking and population aging.

Data from the Pan American Health Organization state that cancer is the second cause of death in the Americas region.

‘I Am and I Will’ is the slogan that will focus the global campaign for three years. It is sponsored by the Union for International Cancer Control, and reflects and thinks about what we want to do to avoid this disease.