The development of cancer cases and their prominence among the causes of death pose a serious threat to health. Are there any warnings to make us suspect cancer? The answer to this question is of course yes.
Changes in bowel or urination habits
Common cold that does not go away
Unexpected bleeding
Breast mass or changes in breast skin or discharge
Difficulty in swallowing
Non-healing sores
Persistent cough
Significant loss of appetite and involuntary weight loss
Unidentified fever
Discoloration of patches on the skin
In addition to the warnings described above, let’s not forget that with only 4 variables, cancer, diabetes, heart attack and stroke can be reduced by 80%.
Physical activity
Healthy diet
Not smoking
Avoiding obesity
But sadly, only 10% of the population in real terms comply with the warnings. In addition to these warnings, let’s not forget that 50% of new cancer cases that may develop by being included in screening programs can be prevented or diagnosed early. For early diagnosis of cancer, it is important to apply to specialist doctors. Finally, thanks to a good dialogue, it will educate and guide you about early diagnosis and screening programs. Making a list of the topics you will discuss, what is the frequency and form of scanning, are the situations that should be questioned.
Breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer are the leading diseases in which screening programs are applied.
Recommended Screening Program for Breast Cancer:
Breast self-exam is important in detecting changes
Women over 40 should have their first mammogram, every 2 years for the next 10 years
Annual mammography after the age of 50, every 3 years in the 20s-30s
Recommended Program for Cervical Cancer:
Screening should start 3 years after the first sexual intercourse, over the age of 21 should not pass.
Pap smear test should be done every year or “liquid-based Pap test” every 2 years.
Screening can be done every 2-3 years in those who are 30 years old and above, and those who have 3 or more normal tests.
There is no need for a screening test in the elderly who are seventy years of age or older, with 3 or more normal tests, or in those who have not had an abnormal test in the last 10 years.
Recommended Program for Colon Cancer:
Screening tests should be initiated in people aged 50 and over with normal risk
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Colonoscopy every 10 years once
Tomographic colonography every 5 years
FIT and FIT (fecal immunochemical test) annually
Stool DNA test (interval not clear)
Prostate Cancer Recommended Screening Program for:
Recommended for men aged fifty and over, once a year.
Screening age for high-risk men should start at the age of 45
In addition to screening programs, behavioral changes in daily life can be more effective in preventing cancer. Finally, according to the data of the American Cancer Research Institute; It is revealed that 30% of cancers are associated with controllable nutritional components. The cancer prevention principles of the same society are grouped under ten titles:
For a body that is as fit and lean as possible, excess fat, especially accumulation around the abdomen, increases the risk of cancer. Excess fat and unwanted hormones increase the risk of cancers of the large intestine, breast, pancreas, kidney and uterus. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, unprocessed foods and natural oils should be preferred. On the other hand, sugary drinks, calorie-dense foods and alcohol should not be preferred. Smoking should be avoided absolutely.
A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended. Walking at a slow pace (at least 10,000 steps a day is ideal). Swimming, or even a game or activity that you might like, should not be forgotten.
Sugary and energy-intensive (cola, etc.) foods and beverages should be avoided (the risk of obesity is high)
Different fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes should be eaten more, it is stated that it provides a 20% reduction in cancer risk.
Limit red meat consumption and avoid processed meats. It should not be consumed more than half a kilo per week.
If he is a regular drinker, alcohol consumption should not be more than 2 glasses a day for men and 1 glass a day for women.
Salty and pickled foods should be avoided, spices can be used instead of salt.
Do not use tablet supplements for support purposes, the presence of phytochemicals in the tablets increases the risk.
Women should breastfeed for at least 6 months.
After treatment, cancer patients must follow the anti-cancer recommendations.
Apart from the general recommendations described above, your risks will be evaluated by the specialist doctor you consult. As a result of the evaluation, keep in mind that in some cases, preventive drug treatments may be required under the name of prevention programs. Communication with your doctor and the counseling you receive are important.
Stay healthy..
