Cancer; It occurs when cells grow and multiply uncontrollably or abnormally as a result of genetic damage. Although there are about 10,000 changes in the genetic structure (DNA) every day, the immune system scans our body every millisecond and destroys genetically damaged cells. However, even a very small part of the cells that undergo changes can cause cancer. Cancer, which usually occurs with complaints such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, skin findings and pain; may show different findings depending on where it is located.
Approximately 175,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Turkey. Carcinogenic substances that exist in all areas of life; it inevitably scares people and leads them to live cautiously. However, it should not be forgotten that cancer; It is a curable disease if detected early. Early diagnosis in cancer is important in terms of increasing the quality and duration of life. Indeed, in recent years, we observe that social awareness has increased thanks to the news in both visual and print media. In parallel with this, we can say that the chance of early diagnosis increases especially in cancer types where screening is effective and in societies that can access health services more easily. We are pleased to observe that this is reflected in our daily practice as the most important variable that increases our chances of success in treatment.
The most common types of cancer in women are breast, lung, colorectal, uterine and skin cancers. In men, the most common types of cancer are prostate, lung, colorectal, bladder and skin cancers.
The main cancer screening methods used for these most common types of cancer are as follows:
CANCERS RECOMMENDED FOR SCREENING IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS:
1. Breast cancer
2 .Cervical cancer
3.Colorectal cancer
4.Prostate cancer
5.Lung cancer
6.Skin cancer
1 .Breast Cancer:
· Breast Self-Examination: It is the person’s self-examination of the breasts. It should be done once a month after the age of 20.
· Clinical Breast Examination: It is the examination of the breasts and armpits by the doctor. It should be done once every three years between the ages of 20-40 and once a year after the age of 40.
· Mammography: It is the imaging of the breasts with X-ray. It should be applied once a year after the age of 40.
· Ultrasound: Breast ultrasound can be performed in patients whose evaluation by mammography is not appropriate.
· Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Breast MRI is not used in routine screening, it can only be used in people who have some genetic disorders such as those who have a very high risk of developing breast cancer.
2.Prostate Cancer:
· Digital Rectal Examination: The doctor examines the prostate from the anus with his finger. It should be done once a year after the age of 50, and once a year after the age of 40 if there are risk factors.
· Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This test measures the amount of prostate specific antigen in the blood. Conditions where the prostate-specific antigen can be found in increased amounts in the blood are prostate cancer, inflammation or infection of the prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement of the prostate). The PSA test should be performed once a year after the age of 50. If there are risk factors, it should be applied once a year from the age of 40. The ratio of free PSA to total PSA can provide information about the possibility of cancer.
3. Lung Cancer:
· Chest X-ray: It is the imaging of the organs and bones in the chest with X-ray.
Sputum Cytology: It is the investigation of cancer cells by examining the sputum sample under a microscope.
Spiral Computed Tomography Imaging: Images are obtained with the help of a computer connected to an X-ray machine.
4.Colorectal Cancer (Intestinal Cancer):
For patients who are not in risk groups, stool occult blood screening is recommended starting from the age of 50, sigmoidoscopy at least every 5 years and colonoscopy every 10 years if over 50 years old. Patients in the risk group, who have previously had polyps removed, should undergo colonoscopy again within 1-3 years after this procedure. Those whose close relatives, such as parents, have been diagnosed with colon cancer, should start screening before the age of 40 or at the latest 8-10 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed. Genetic testing should be done for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. People with the disease called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) should receive genetic counseling and should be followed up with colonoscopy from the age of 10-15.
5. Cervical Cancer (Cervical Cancer):
· Pap Test: Cells are collected from the cervix and vagina. The cells taken are examined under a microscope. Every woman should start having a Pap test three years after starting vaginal intercourse. But the age to start Pap testing should not exceed 21. It is done once a year. After the age of 30, those who have three consecutive normal Pap tests can start having it every two years. Those with any risk factors should continue to have it done annually. Those who have three or more consecutive normal Pap test results after age 65 and those who have not had an abnormal Pap test result in the past ten years may discontinue screening. Those with risk factors should continue screening.
6.Skin Cancer:
· Skin Examination: It is the examination made by the doctor or the person himself with the naked eye. If there is a suspicious area, a biopsy is taken and cancer cells are investigated under a microscope.
People with risk factors may need to start screening methods earlier than the specified ages in consultation with their doctor.
Points to be considered in order to prevent cancer;
Not to consume cigarettes and alcohol, To reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays, To protect against infections, To eat healthy, To exercise, To maintain weight balance, To know the early signs and symptoms of cancer, To know the risk of cancer and to enter cancer screening programs, To cope with stress. Doing things right and avoiding harmful ones reduces our risk of cancer. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be alert to the changes in our body.
Success ; The progress of screening methods is increasing in parallel with the increase in early diagnosis and public awareness. But it should also be said that it is partly due to developments in treatment and health services.
