If people stopped smoking, 30 percent of cancers would disappear

Cancer remains one of the most concerning diseases—and for good reason. In Spain alone, it claims 120,000 lives annually. Pharmaceutical companies continue to prioritize cancer research, as evidenced by the fact that half of all clinical trials worldwide are focused on combating this disease.

Dr. Fernando Rivera, Head of Medical Oncology at Valdecilla Hospital (Santander, Spain), provides an overview of the current landscape:

“Right now, 55 percent of cancers are curable, and that figure keeps rising—slowly but steadily. Recent data suggest we’re approaching nearly 60 percent. To reduce the remaining 40-45 percent, several steps are needed. First, prevention could eliminate many cancers entirely. For instance, if people stopped smoking, 30 percent of cancers would not exist. Early diagnosis and screening are also critical. Take colorectal cancer screening: if fully implemented, it’s estimated that 30 percent of deaths from this cancer could be prevented. The same applies to cervical cancer with Pap smears or breast cancer with mammograms—yet not all women get these tests.”

“Diagnosing cancer early is vital. When a tumor is still localized, treatments are typically less aggressive and far more effective. For these localized tumors, we’ve made significant strides in locoregional treatments like surgery (including robotic techniques) and radiotherapy (with advances in conventional methods, intraoperative radiation, and proton therapy). Additionally, drug therapies are now often used alongside surgery or radiation to eliminate unseen tumor cells that could later cause relapses.”

“Unfortunately, in many cases, cancer is diagnosed after it has spread, leading to metastases. Other times, tumors initially treated as localized recur and metastasize over time. In the vast majority of the 45 percent of cancers we can’t yet cure, metastases are the primary reason.”

“To improve outcomes for patients with advanced, metastatic cancer, locoregional treatments offer little help. Here, the key lies in developing new antitumor drugs. These medications travel through the bloodstream, reaching every part of the body and targeting metastases—regardless of their number or location.”

Source: Interview with Dr. Fernando Rivera by the Cantabria College of Physicians

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

"Health is a process, not a list of rules"

"Health is a process, not a list of rules". This phrase comes from Dr. Cristina Petratti, a specialist in Obesity and Nutrition, who has shared advice on how to navigate vacation periods without letting changes in habits and activities harm our health. Although her focus is on her specialty—obesity and nutrition—it’s clear that these tips are valuable for all of us…

Pleasure is also part of health
Eating with pleasure is neither a mistake nor a lack of control. Food has social, emotional, and cultural dimensions that go beyond calories. The key is not deprivation but finding a point of satisfaction without discomfort, listening to what our body truly needs.
 
Movement nourishes body and mind
Movement is not an obligation or a way to “compensate” for what we eat. Science tells us the human body is designed to move, but not out of demand—rather, for well-being. Taking walks after meals, dancing, playing, or simply stretching are gentle ways to nurture our energy without pressure or self-criticism.
 
No restrictions, no excesses. Conscious flexibility
There are no forbidden foods. Evidence shows that demonizing certain foods only creates anxiety and an unhealthy relationship with eating. Instead of thinking, “I can’t eat this,” we can ask: How do I want to enjoy it? What makes me feel good?
 
Enjoy without haste
It’s not the last time we’ll eat certain foods. Eating anxiously out of fear that something will “run out” only distances us from true enjoyment. Mindful eating reminds us we can savor each bite slowly, without guilt or the need to seize everything in one moment.
 
Be kind to ourselves
Health isn’t measured by a number or defined by a single day. We don’t need to compensate or punish ourselves for what we eat. The goal is to return to habits that make us feel good, from a place of self-care, not punishment.
 
Compare only with ourselves
Everyone has a unique story, metabolism, and life context. Comparing ourselves to others pulls us away from our own reality. Listening to what we need, without pressure to fit someone else’s mold, is an acte of self-respect.
 
Consistency over perfection
Taking care of ourselves doesn’t mean banning things, but it also doesn’t mean completely disconnecting. Science shows the body benefits more from consistency than perfection. If we indulge more than usual one day, we can balance it with hydration, movement, and choices that feel good, without punishment or guilt.

Health without guilt, well-being without pressure
In conclusion, as Dr. Petratti emphasizes, vacation periods “shouldn’t be a battle between enjoyment and restriction. Well-being isn’t black and white; it’s not about doing everything ‘perfectly’ or indulging in harmful eating habits without measure. Health is a process, not a list of rules.”
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Agrochemical products and “Safety Period”

The “safety period” refers to the minimum amount of time that must elapse between the application of an agrochemical product (such as an insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide) to a crop and the time of harvest. If the crop is harvested before this period has ended, toxic residues may remain on the produce, posing a risk of contaminated food reaching the market. However, if the harvest occurs after the safety period, any agrochemical residues on the crop will have dissipated or become inactive, allowing the produce to be sent to market with full safety assurances.

But why would any farmer consider harvesting before the safety period is complete? The answer lies in market demands: produce must be delivered at its peak ripeness. If the agrochemical was applied later than intended, farmers might feel pressured to harvest early—before the safety period ends—to avoid delivering overripe or poor-quality crops to the market. This is why it’s critical to clearly specify this information in promotional brochures, catalogs, and other materials, and why company sales representatives must explain it thoroughly during the regular meetings they hold with potential clients.

 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Winter and dry eye: An unwelcome connection

Modern lifestyle habits, including a significant increase in screen time, combined with the winter season—when people spend more hours indoors with heating—contribute to a rising incidence of dry eye disease. In Spain, over 5 million people already suffer from this condition, caused by a lack or deficiency of tears or poor tear quality. Winter is also the time when the disease tends to worsen, making it advisable to pay extra attention to eye health during this period.

According to Professor José Manuel Benítez del Castillo, Chair of Ophthalmology at the Complutense University of Madrid, “studies show that the worst months are from October to February, which is why special care is needed during this time, along with following guidelines to alleviate symptoms and pursuing appropriate treatment.”
 
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular condition and one of the most frequent reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. It causes irritation, a gritty sensation, burning, light sensitivity, dryness, pain, and eye fatigue. These symptoms hinder everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching TV, or working on a computer screen. Furthermore, moderate to severe DED is associated with reduced vitality, poor overall health, and often depression.
 
Globally, the prevalence of dry eye disease reaches up to 33% in some populations, with 5% to 10% experiencing moderate to severe forms. However, experts believe that modern lifestyle habits are negatively impacting symptoms and, consequently, the disease’s incidence. This situation has worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in average screen exposure time.
 
Aging populations also play a role. Ocular conditions like dry eye disease and its symptoms become more common with age. As a result, the prevalence of the disease rises with an aging population, a trend linked to the growing incidence of related conditions such as diabetes, which is associated with DED.
 
Women, in particular, are among the most vulnerable groups. As Benítez del Castillo notes, “they have a higher risk of developing dry eye disease.” This risk increases notably during menopause, when women experience a decline in sex hormones. This hormonal drop affects the ocular surface epithelium and tear glands, exacerbating the condition. 
 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

Innovation for acne-prone skin

Spanish pharmaceutical company Reig Jofre has unveiled the launch of Vincobiosis Acneic, an innovative range of topical products that blends science and nature to care for acne-prone skin.

This new line, designed and developed by Reig Jofre’s innovation team, is centered around Canonia Allysis, a unique plant-derived biotechnological ingredient. Obtained through an advanced process leveraging Vytrus Biotech technology, it harnesses the natural defense mechanisms certain plants use to combat bacterial infections and external threats.
 
Clinical studies have shown that Vincobiosis Acneic effectively reduces blemishes on acne-prone skin in a natural and gentle way, preserving the skin’s ecosystem without disrupting beneficial microorganisms.
 
Initially, this groundbreaking product will be introduced in Spain through medical representative channels and pharmacies. Throughout 2025, it will expand to other international markets via Reig Jofre’s subsidiaries and licensing agreements with partner laboratories.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Feeling uncomfortable with Contact Lenses is the main reason for rejection

Comfort is one of the key factors in the experience of contact lens users, according to the results of a survey conducted by Alcon to better understand the needs of lens wearers. The study is based on responses from 2,006 professionals and patients across four countries, including 501 participants from Spain. 

One of the survey’s key findings is that 81% of contact lens users who stop wearing them do so due to discomfort. In fact, comfort ranks just below visual correction as one of the most important factors that lenses must offer, according to respondents. Additionally, more than half of vision care professionals consider discomfort to be one of the primary barriers users face when wearing lenses. These insights may explain why 41% of users view experiencing some level of discomfort with contact lenses as “normal.” Itching, dryness, and end-of-day discomfort are among the most frequently reported issues. 
 
However, these problems can often be addressed by selecting the right lenses for each individual, which requires seamless communication between the optician and the patient.
 
As Prof. José M. González Méjiome explains, “Switching contact lenses for dissatisfied users depends on the professional. That’s why it’s crucial to dedicate time to improving lens fitting and prescribing the appropriate maintenance system when needed, identifying the best option for each person.” 
 
Despite this, the survey revealed that only 35% of contact lens users discuss these issues with their optician. “When a patient experiences discomfort or other problems related to their lenses, it’s essential that they feel confident enough to talk to their vision care professional, who can then seek the best alternative to ensure their satisfaction,” Prof. González Méjiome notes. In this regard, there is significant room for improvement in communication, as 55% of users lack the confidence to discuss lens comfort with their optician. 
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI 

Rosacea: When art illuminates reality

As part of Rosacea Awareness Month, Galderma, a leading pharmaceutical company, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about rosacea, a condition affecting approximately 415 million people worldwide, shedding light on its physical and emotional impact.
 
Portraits of Rosacea: Where Art Meets Humanity
 
The Portraits of Rosacea project brings together five talented Spanish artists—María Hesse, Álex de Marcos, Ana Jarén, Elena Pancorbo, and María Bueno—with the stories of five individuals living with this condition. Through a process of deep listening, the artists have crafted works that go beyond physical appearances, capturing the emotions, struggles, insecurities, and triumphs of the patients with empathy and sensitivity.
 
Beyond the Skin: The Impact of Rosacea
 
Rosacea manifests as redness, bumps, sensitivity, and discomfort such as itching or burning. However, its effects often extend far beyond the skin, leading to social isolation, embarrassment, and a significant toll on self-esteem. This campaign aims to highlight all aspects of the disease—both its medical challenges and its emotional weight.
 
Diagnosis and Support: A Path to Well-Being
 
A key goal of this initiative is to encourage those who suspect they may have rosacea to consult a dermatologist. Too often, due to lack of awareness or stigma, individuals resort to self-treatment or dismiss their symptoms, delaying care that could halt the disease’s progression and enhance their quality of life.
 
Dr. Adrián Alegre, a dermatologist, emphasizes: “Rosacea is not just redness, itching, or bumps—it’s also insecurity, frustration, and sometimes fear. Seeing a dermatologist can be life-changing: it helps identify the condition, understand its triggers, access proper care and treatments, and rebuild confidence. Managing rosacea is about more than skin—it’s about self-esteem and feeling comfortable in your own body.”
 
What Is Rosacea?
 
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the central areas of the face: cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. It is characterized by persistent redness, telangiectasias (small visible blood vessels, often called spider veins), acne-like inflammatory lesions, and symptoms such as stinging, burning, dryness, or ocular discomfort. Its visibility on the face can profoundly impact the quality of life and mental health of those affected.
 
While the exact causes of rosacea remain under investigation, several triggers are known to exacerbate it, including spicy foods, alcohol, stress, sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, intense exercise, or an elevated presence of the Demodex mite on the skin. Without proper treatment, rosacea tends to worsen over time.
 
A Call to Action
 
Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to seek a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Understanding and managing the condition not only alleviates physical symptoms but also paves the way to restored confidence and emotional well-being.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Good news for drinkers: Say goodbye to hangovers

What once seemed like a dream—waking up without a hangover after a night of heavy drinking—has been turned into reality by two young Spanish doctors. Introducing Luzzid Recovery, capsules that neutralize the toxic effects of alcohol. These can be taken before, during, or after drinking to achieve their goal, as they work while alcohol is still circulating in the body.

Best of all, this innovative solution, made with 27 ingredients (including 10 vitamins and 8 medicinal plants), is grounded in scientific evidence. All its components are backed by clinical study data, proving not only their effectiveness but also their excellent tolerability.
 
The product, classified as a dietary supplement, works by supplying micronutrients and bioactive compounds essential for properly metabolizing ethanol, thus helping to prevent hangovers.
 
Its creators, Dr. Marcos M. Pérez and Dr. Enrique L. Martín, have established Luzzid, a Madrid-based company, to market it. Luzzid Recovery is already available in select pharmacies, parapharmacies, and on Amazon.
 
That said, it’s worth remembering that the best way to avoid a hangover is to abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation. But for those special occasions when you overindulge, having Luzzid Recovery on hand could be a lifesaver.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Physical exercise also enhances immune capacity against respiratory viruses

The Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (SERMEF), through Dr. Marta Supervía Pola, a rehabilitation physician and spokesperson for the scientific society, has emphasized the importance of physical exercise as a natural defense for the immune system. She highlighted that “a growing number of scientific studies show that exercise improves the immune response and, consequently, helps reduce the risk of illness.”

In the context of the current winter months, when respiratory viruses are more prevalent, the SERMEF specialist explained that “physical exercise increases blood and lymphatic flow as muscles contract, boosting the circulation of immune cells (such as T lymphocytes and NK cells). Additionally, muscle contraction stimulates the production of numerous substances called myokines, some of which enhance the immune system’s activity. There is evidence that physical exercise can significantly improve the body’s immune capacity against respiratory viruses like the flu and SARS-CoV-2, including its variants, which cause COVID-19.”
 
In this regard, she encourages the population to engage in aerobic exercises such as swimming, running, or cycling, as well as strength training. She noted that “the immune system responds immediately during exercise, but this response fades over time, making it essential to stay physically active and exercise regularly.”
 
To support this, she pointed to a study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2011), which found that individuals who exercised five or more days a week reduced the incidence of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, by 40%.
 
“While most studies focus on people being physically active and performing aerobic exercise—such as brisk walking, running, or cycling—there is increasing evidence of the benefits of complementing this with moderate-intensity strength training,” the specialist stated.
 
However, she cautioned that “extreme aerobic workouts or strength training that causes muscle damage—such as lifting heavy weights—might not support immune function. This is because prolonged, intense activities can stress the body, potentially leading to a temporary decline in immune performance.”
What type of exercise is advisable?
 
The rehabilitation physician emphasized that “it’s important to recognize that personalized therapeutic exercise is one of the most effective tools we specialists in rehabilitation use.” She stressed that “exercise prescriptions should always be tailored to each individual, adjusted based on their progress and any existing health conditions. In certain cases—due to associated illnesses, cardiovascular risk factors, or prolonged inactivity—a prior medical evaluation may be necessary to ensure a safe, individualized exercise plan.”
 
“Nevertheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides general recommendations for the general population, which include reducing sedentary behavior with light physical activity throughout the day, performing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise five days a week for 30 to 60 minutes each session, and incorporating moderate strength training two to three days a week,” she added.
 
Finally, she insisted that “exercise must always be adapted to each person, including their preferences, as long-term adherence is key. For this reason, aerobic exercise can take various forms: brisk walking, cycling, running, dancing, and so on. Similarly, strength training can be done without equipment (using body weight), with resistance bands, dumbbells, machines, or other tools. You don’t need equipment at home or a gym membership to exercise.”
 
“While other lifestyle habits—such as eating healthily (avoiding highly processed foods, alcohol, etc.), not smoking, managing stress, ensuring good sleep, and more—help reduce the risk of illness, exercise is undoubtedly one of the most powerful habits people can adopt to strengthen their immune system,” she concluded.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Dentists now only think about business

How far back those times seem when dentists were true superheroes, committed at all costs to saving our teeth! Only when there was no hope would they resort to extractions, crowns, bridges, or any other measures of that kind. Today, dentists only think about business, and their obsession is to put implants in us at all costs because it's the most expensive option. Dental clinics advertise themselves like cosmetic surgery clinics since what they sell us is the need for a "beautiful smile" (for which you need several implants), whereas before they were the repair shop we visited only when something was broken. But of course, fixing only breakages doesn't fill their offices or their pockets; that's why they now exaggerate and fix everything with implants instead of fillings, bridges, or crowns; with teeth cleanings every six months instead of annually; and even with scaling instead of cleaning, because the former is much more expensive than the latter, and it doesn't matter if it might cause serious problems like tooth loss, etc. Because if that happens, it's better for them as they'll have a new client for implants.

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

There's only one medicine without side effects

In a world where daily life can be overwhelming, good humor and smiling emerge as invaluable allies for our mental and physical health. Below, we explore why good humor and smiling can be considered the best medicine and the only one without side effects...

Stress Reduction: Smiling releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, neurotransmitters that act as the body's natural painkillers. These "happiness hormones" help reduce stress and improve mood. Studies have shown that even a forced smile can decrease the perception of pain and stress.

 
Improved Immunity: A positive attitude and frequent smiling are linked to a more robust immune system. Laughter increases antibody production and activates immune cells, enhancing our ability to fight off diseases.
 
Better Psychological Health: Maintaining good humor can be key to preventing or managing disorders like depression and anxiety. Laughter is a form of therapy that can serve as a mental distraction, pulling us away from cycles of negative thought.
 
Social Connection: Good humor facilitates social interaction, strengthening personal relationships. People with good humor tend to be more socially attractive, which in turn feeds a virtuous cycle of support and emotional well-being.
 
Cardiovascular Health: Laughter improves blood vessel function, increasing blood flow, which can help protect against heart disease. It has been found that laughter has effects similar to light exercise, helping to reduce blood pressure.
 
Pain Relief: Laughter can raise the pain threshold, serving as a natural analgesic. This effect is due to the release of endorphins, which also act as a pain relief mechanism.
 
Accessibility and Cost: Unlike many medical treatments, good humor and smiling are absolutely free and available at any time. They require no prescription, nor do they have contraindications; they only need a change of perspective or sharing a fun moment.
 
Health Prevention and Maintenance: Using good humor and smiles as part of a daily routine can be a preventive strategy against many ailments. They act as preventive maintenance for mental and physical health, without the risk of adverse side effects that might accompany traditional medications.
 
In summary, good humor and smiling not only improve our daily life but also have demonstrated effects on our health. They are powerful tools for well-being that, since they have no side effects, represent the safest and most accessible medicine that exists. Fostering an environment of joy and positivity can be one of the best investments we can make in our health, reminding us that sometimes, the best cure is found in a simple smile.
 
Remember: Humor is the only medicine without side effects... or is it? Well, maybe it does have one side effect: the hiccups. 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C

Intermittent fasting: Risk of death

According to researchers, eating only for eight hours a day and then fasting for the rest of the day might be associated with an increased risk of death from heart attacks and strokes.

Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Hugh Jackman, Kourtney Kardashian, and Scarlett Johansson have praised such fasting regimens.
 
However, while researchers have linked fasting with better short-term outcomes regarding blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, the same does not hold true for long-term results, as suggested by one of the first studies on this topic, according to "The Times."
 
After following around 20,000 adults in the United States, it was found that those who reported eating within an eight-hour window were nearly twice as likely to die from heart attacks or strokes compared to those who spread their meals and snacks throughout the day.
 
Perhaps the results of these studies are not as conclusive as one might hope, but what is clear is that intermittent fasting is bad for health; in general, anything that goes against human nature and our body's requests (through the mechanism of hunger) to eat several times a day is harmful to health.

 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C