Warning Against Ignoring Thrombosis Symptoms as Cases Rise
Medical experts are urging the public to remain vigilant regarding the signs of venous thromboembolism, as a recent increase in thrombosis cases has been observed. Professor Anna Falanga, scientific director of Fondazione ARTET, emphasizes that the ability to quickly recognize these symptoms is critical for preventing life-threatening complications.
Thrombosis is a severe cardiovascular condition characterized by the formation of blood clots, known as thrombi, typically within deep veins. The danger escalates if these clots detach and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism—a condition that can be fatal. Because early symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for less serious ailments, timely diagnosis is essential to mitigate these risks.
The link between cancer and blood clots is particularly significant. According to the provided data, oncology patients face a higher risk of venous thrombosis than the general population, with the condition ranking as the second leading cause of death for these patients, following the malignancy itself. This underscores the critical demand for integrated care and specialized monitoring for those undergoing cancer treatment.
To address these challenges and share the latest scientific advancements, Fondazione ARTET organizes the “International Conference on Thrombosis and Hemostasis Issues in Cancer” (ICTHIC) every two years in Bergamo. Now in its 13th edition, this international gathering of experts will take place from Friday, April 17, to Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Giovanni XXIII Congress Center.
Professor Falanga, a leading authority in the field, serves as the Director of the Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center at the Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo. Her extensive background includes specializations in Internal Medicine from the University of Naples and Hematology from the University of Verona, as well as postdoctoral research at the Mario Negri Institute in Milan and the University of Colorado-Denver. She currently serves as the President of the Italian Society for the Study of Hemostasis and Thrombosis (SISET) and has contributed to the development of prophylaxis and treatment guidelines for oncology patients with organizations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the European Society of Medical Oncology.
As research continues to evolve, the focus remains on improving early detection and refining treatment strategies to reduce the mortality associated with these cardiovascular events.
