World Cancer Day: a moment for awareness, compassion, and progress
Every year, on February 4th, the world pauses to reflect on a reality that touches every community: cancer. But World Cancer Day—supported globally by the World Health Organization—is not meant to inspire fear. It is a day to acknowledge progress, highlight inequities, and honor the courage of the millions of people who face this disease […]
Bladder cancer in Costa Rica: understanding the disease and the modern path to treatment
Bladder cancer often hides behind everyday routines. Most people think of the bladder simply as a reservoir, rarely imagining that a tumor could grow there quietly. In Costa Rica, bladder cancer is not the most common malignancy, but when it appears, it can significantly affect a person’s well-being (especially if it is diagnosed late). National […]
New insights into pancreatic cancer: the breakthrough led by Mariano Barbacid’s Spanish research group
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat. Often described as a “silent threat,” it tends to be diagnosed late and progresses with a speed that outpaces many conventional therapies. In the middle of this reality, a scientific development captured global attention: the new findings from the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas […]
T4a Gastric Cancer: Is Laparoscopic Surgery Safe? What Patients Should Know
In Costa Rica, many patients diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer face the need for major surgery as part of their treatment. A common question is whether laparoscopic surgery (a less invasive approach using small incisions) is as safe as the traditional open operation. A recent study published in JAMA Surgery provides clear, evidence-based guidance to […]
Rectal Cancer: Completing the Treatment Cycle With Modern TNT Protocols
In Costa Rica, the management of rectal cancer has advanced significantly thanks to growing scientific evidence and the expertise of specialized centers. One of the most important developments is Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT), a modern approach that combines chemotherapy, Radiation Oncology, and, when necessary, surgery. This strategy aims to improve disease control, increase the chances […]
Lung Cancer: There Is No Time to Lose
Lung cancer is one of the most demanding conditions in Radiation Oncology, and in Costa Rica it continues to rise in clinical relevance. Its biological behavior requires prompt action—every day, from diagnosis to treatment selection, is meaningful. For localized disease, radiotherapy can offer a genuine chance of cure, particularly for patients who are not surgical […]
Prostate Cancer: When Is the Right Time for Radiotherapy?
In Costa Rica, many men diagnosed with prostate cancer wonder when Radiation Oncology becomes part of their care. The timing depends on the disease stage, biopsy findings, and PSA behavior. In general, radiotherapy can serve two major roles: as the primary curative treatment or as an additional therapy after surgery. For men with localized disease […]
Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Role of PARP Inhibitor Maintenance Therapy
In Costa Rica, many women facing advanced ovarian cancer complete surgery and chemotherapy with hope for long-term control. Yet we know this disease has a tendency to return even when treatment works well initially. For this reason, an important additional strategy has emerged: maintenance therapy with PARP inhibitors, a group of medications designed to help […]
Breast Cancer: Understanding the Treatment “Path”
In Costa Rica, every woman who receives a breast cancer diagnosis begins a journey that blends science, compassion, and shared decision-making. Although each case is unique, most patients follow a treatment “path” that often includes surgery, systemic therapies, and, in many situations, Radiation Oncology. Understanding how these steps connect helps reduce uncertainty and offers a […]