Lerești, Romania – August 24, 2024
The Cancer Mission Bus, an initiative under the European Commission’s Cancer Mission, has reached Leresti, Argeș, marking a significant step in the fight against cancer in Romania. This visit is particularly noteworthy as Leresti hosts the Romanian Living Lab of the 4P-CAN project; a major initiative supported by the Horizon Europe program.
During the Cancer Mission Bus stop in Leresti, not only were Romanian experts present, but the event also saw participation from international partners, including experts from University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, main partners of the 4P-CAN project. The Bulgarian partners joined the effort to enhance cross-border collaboration and share their expertise and insights, while also preparing the 4P-CAN Bulgarian Living Lab, that focuses on occupational and environmental carcinogens.
The 4P-CAN Project in Romania
The 4P-CAN project aims to identify barriers to the adoption of primary cancer prevention measures by examining the risk factors outlined in the European Code Against Cancer. Over four years, participating organizations will work to understand these barriers better and promote strategies to overcome them.
Dr. Marius Geantă, President of the Centre for Innovation in Medicine and Coordinator of 4P-CAN, noted the community’s strong interest, stating, “We were delighted to see a very high interest from people in the community, not only those who have attended our 4P-CAN meetings on this topic in the past year but also many new faces”.
During its stop in Leresti, the Cancer Mission Bus engaged approximately 5% of the local population within just five hours. Residents interacted with European Commission specialists and the 4P-CAN project team, gaining essential information on preventing cancer and reducing risk factors.
Key Messages for Cancer Prevention
The caravan emphasized several key messages about cancer prevention. For instance, smoking is a major risk factor responsible for millions of deaths annually, and quitting smoking or avoiding passive smoke exposure is crucial for reducing cancer risk. Similarly, alcohol consumption is linked to seven types of cancer, and reducing alcohol intake can prevent many cases. Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity is also vital in reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers. Additionally, vaccination against infections such as hepatitis and HPV plays a crucial role in cancer prevention.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of awareness and avoidance of occupational and environmental carcinogens. Protective equipment and appropriate safety measures can prevent cancers related to exposure to hazardous substances. Moreover, protecting against radiation, especially UV radiation, through sunscreen use and suitable clothing, is essential for preventing skin cancer.
Continuing the Fight Against Cancer in Romania
Throughout its journey in Romania, the Cancer Mission Bus provides a platform for interactive engagement, offering information, and expert discussions. It also features a dedicated space for children and screens displaying the latest information on cancer prevention.
Also, numerous brochures from other European projects researching cancer prevention and screening can be found in the Caravan. These projects are part of a larger group called the Cancer Mission Cluster – Prevention and Early Detection.
