1–7 April Cancer Week

1-7 April Cancer Awareness Week According to Global Cancer Statistics data, Anadolu Health Center Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, who reported that 19.3 million new cancer patients were diagnosed in 2020 and 10 million patients lost their lives due to cancer, stated: "Men most frequently develop lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and liver cancer, while women more frequently encounter breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer and thyroid cancer. One third of cancer cases can be prevented through awareness and early diagnosis, while another third can be fully cured through early detection and appropriate treatment. Screening programs, increased awareness, protective vaccinations against some cancers caused by viruses, reduction of environmental factors, preventive measures for those with genetic risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment can save millions of lives," Prof. Dr. Yıldırım said. Conducted research shows that the increase in cancer will continue, with 27.5 million new cancer patients expected in 2040 and 16.3 million people dying from cancer. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, Medical Oncology Specialist at Anadolu Health Center, noting that breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally, followed by lung cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer, stated: "Cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of changes, called 'mutations,' in our genes, leading to transformation of normal cells, their uncontrolled multiplication. Five to 10 percent of all cancers are hereditary and show familial transmission. In this group, cancer-causing genes can be transmitted genetically from one generation to another. For example, if your first or second-degree relatives have breast or ovarian cancer, detailed genetic tests should be performed. If there are individuals in the family with colorectal cancer and uterine cancer, we recommend obtaining genetic counseling to determine your hereditary cancer risk," Prof. Dr. Yıldırım stated.

Screening tests reduce mortality rates

Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, explaining that screening tests are performed for early cancer detection in healthy individuals without any symptoms, said: "Recommended screening tests for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer enable early cancer diagnosis and reduce cancer-related mortality rates. For women, breast cancer screening can begin with baseline mammography between ages 40-44. Between ages 45-55, annual regular mammography is recommended. After age 55, screening can continue with mammography every 2 years," Prof. Dr. Yıldırım stated. For high-risk patients, screening should be planned individually. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, recommending that screening for cervical cancer should begin at age 25, pointed out that HPV test and pap smear test are performed as screening tests, and after an initial HPV test, if negative, repetition every 5 years is recommended, while pap smear test should be performed every 3 years. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, Medical Oncology Specialist, stating that colonoscopy screening is recommended every 10 years for individuals in the average risk group without chronic bowel disease or family history of colon cancer, continued: "Non-invasive methods such as fecal immunohistochemical test or occult blood tests can also be used for screening, but colonoscopy should be performed if positive results are obtained. Screening for high-risk patients with colorectal cancer development risk should be planned individually according to personal risks. For lung cancer, screening is performed in patients aged 50-80 with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history, currently smoking, or who quit smoking within the past 15 years. Annual low-dose lung tomography is recommended as a screening test. Early detection of lung cancer with tomography is possible in these risk group patients."

Recommendations to prevent recurrence of cancer:

• Do not smoke.
• Eat healthily:
• Do not consume fried foods, saturated fats, acidic and sugary beverages, processed foods, processed meat products.
• Consume different varieties of fresh vegetables and fruits, do not eat monotonously.
• Prefer foods made from whole grains.
• Limit meat consumption. (2-3 times per week)
• Exercise: Regular exercise is very important for both physical and mental health.
• Sit less, move more.
• Make sure to do light exercises such as at least 30-45 minutes of walking daily or intense exercises for 60-75 minutes twice a week.
• Maintain your ideal weight, and if you have gained weight, try to achieve weight control through dietary management and exercise.

Cancer symptoms;

-Persistent cough lasting a long time, shortness of breath, -Changes in bowel habits, persistent constipation or persistent diarrhea, -Bloody sputum, -Blood in stool, bloody vomiting, -Blood in urine, -Bloody and persistent vaginal discharge, bleeding in menopausal women, -Hardness and lumps in breast tissue, swelling and enlargement of lymph nodes, -Sudden appearance of hardness and lumps in the body, abdominal swelling, -Bleeding, color and shape changes, growth in moles on the skin, -Unexplained weight loss, persistent high fever, excessive night sweats, fatigue, -Yellowing of skin and eyes, and those with similar complaints should consult a doctor.