Cancer care in Catalonia focuses on early detection and exercise

In Catalonia, where approximately 45,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, medical professionals are emphasizing the dual importance of early detection and physical activity in patient care.

A breast cancer screening program in the Ponent region of Lleida has detected 1,314 tumors over its 30-year history. The program has conducted over 294,000 mammographies, with a high participation rate of approximately 85% among invited women. To improve efficiency, health authorities are considering the use of artificial intelligence to classify mammographies by risk level, which could help manage the workload if the screening age range is expanded from the current 50–69 bracket to 45–74.

Complementing clinical screening, specialists highlight that adapted physical exercise is vital during and after treatment. Experts note that exercise helps reduce secondary symptoms and toxicity, improves quality of life, and assists patients in regaining physical capabilities and mental resilience.