Unfortunately, the number of cancer patients is increasing rapidly in the world….
According to statistics, while the number of new cases that emerged in 2008 was 12.4 million, it is estimated to double to 26.4 million in 2030. These figures show how great a risk cancer poses to humanity.
Today’s oncology knowledge has made great advances in the prevention of the disease before it occurs. In cases where we cannot prevent it, early diagnosis is possible for many cancers and this is of vital importance. Gayrettepe Florence Nightingale Hospital, from the department of medical oncology, Prof. Dr. Coşkun Tecimer draws attention to the most common types of cancer in our country and ways to prevent it;
1- Lung cancer: Spiral tomography can be performed in people whose mother or father has lung cancer, who smoke, and who have a cough.
2- Prostate cancer: It usually does not show any symptoms in the early period. For this reason, it is necessary to look at the prostate-specific antigen, which we call PSA, in the blood once a year in men starting from the age of 50. It is a tumor marker and is elevated in patients with prostate cancer.
3- Breast cancer: It is not possible to diagnose small masses by physical examination. For this reason, women from the age of 40 should have a mammogram once a year. If necessary, breast ultrasonography and breast MRI can be added to this.
4- Skin cancers: They are usually noticed because they are on the surface. However, sometimes a dermatological examination should be performed once a year, since there are parts of the skin that we cannot reach with our own eyes. Here, the places where lesions can be hidden, such as the scalp, are also checked. In addition, changes in moles and other skin lesions that we are not aware of can be detected by the dermatologist.
5- Stomach cancers: There is no routine check-up program. However, some stomach ailments that are referred to as gastritis can be a sign of cancer. These people should undergo an upper endoscopic examination called gastroscopy. In this way, the cause of the complaints can be understood. A biopsy is done to decide whether there is cancer or not.
6- Bladder cancer: There is no routine check-up program. When the disease is suspected, a test called cystoscopy is entered through the urinary canal into the bladder, and a biopsy is taken if necessary.
7- Colon cancer: Polyps in the large intestine can turn into cancer over time and they do not give any symptoms. For this reason, everyone over the age of 50 should have periodic colonoscopy. In this examination, the entire large intestine is observed by entering through the anus with a tube. If polyps are found, they are removed during the endoscopy and the treatment is completed. Many people shy away from colonoscopy. However, nowadays it has become much easier to do this test. During the examination, the patient does not feel any pain or pain as he is put to sleep. If a polyp that can turn into cancer is found, the colonoscopy should be repeated one year later. In people who are found to be normal, it is necessary to repeat the examination between 3 and 10 years. In addition, occult blood in the stool should be checked once a year. Since people with blood in the stool may have colon cancer, the intestines should be examined by colonoscopy.
8- Thyroid cancer: There is no routine check-up program. In case of doubt, palpable neck examination and thyroid ultrasonography should be performed. A biopsy should be taken from suspicious nodules.
9- Uterine cancer: There is no routine check-up program. About 20% of uterine cancers do not show any symptoms. In these, a test called ‘pap smear’ can be done. In this test, a swab is taken from the cervix. In fact, the pap smear test is a very important test in catching cervical cancers before they occur. It should be done once a year after the sexual life begins. However, it is less effective in catching uterine cancer rather than cervical cancer. In cases where uterine cancer is suspected, tomography or MRI of the abdomen can be taken in addition to the pap smear.
