Anadolu Medical Center Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım said that according to Global Cancer Statistics data, there were 2020 million new cancer patients diagnosed in 19,3 and 10 million patients died due to cancer.
Yıldırım said, “While lung, prostate, large intestine, stomach and liver cancers are most common in men; Breast, colon, lung, cervix and thyroid cancers are more common in women. One third of cancer cases can be prevented with awareness and early diagnosis, while another third can be completely cured with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Millions of lives can be saved with screening programs, raising awareness, protective vaccination against some cancers caused by viruses, reducing environmental factors, taking various preventive measures in those with genetic risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment.
Anadolu Health Center Medical Oncology Specialist Prof., who shared that the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the world is breast cancer, followed by lung cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım said, “Cancer is a disease that occurs as a result of changes in our genes called 'mutation' and uncontrolled proliferation of normal cells. 5-10 percent of all cancers are hereditary and show familial transmission. In this group, cancer-causing genes can be passed on genetically from one generation to the next. For example, if your first and second degree relatives have breast or ovarian cancer, detailed genetic tests should be done. If there are individuals with large intestine and uterine cancer in the family, we recommend that you receive genetic counseling to determine your hereditary cancer risk.
Screening tests reduce cancer-related death rate
Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım continued her statement as follows:
“Recommended screening tests for breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer reduce cancer-related mortality by providing early detection of cancer. Women can be started with a baseline mammogram between the ages of 40-44 for breast cancer. Between the ages of 45-55, regular mammography is recommended every year. After the age of 55, screening with mammography can be continued every 2 years.
“Screening should be specially planned in high-risk patients”
Recommending that screening for cervical cancer (cervical cancer) should be started at the age of 25, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım pointed out that HPV test and pap smear test are performed as screening tests and emphasized that it is recommended to repeat a basal HPV test every 5 years if it is negative, and to perform a Pap smear test every 3 years.
Underlining that screening with colonoscopy every 10 years is recommended for individuals in the average risk group who do not have chronic bowel disease or have no family history of colon cancer, Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım said, “Noninvasive methods such as fecal immunohistochemical testing or stool occult blood tests can also be used as screening, but colonoscopy should be performed in case of positive results. In high-risk patients for the development of colorectal cancer, screening should be specially planned according to personal risks. On the other hand, screening for lung cancer is performed on patients aged 50-80 with a smoking history of at least 20 packs/year, current smokers or who have quit smoking within 15 years. As a screening test, it is recommended to perform a low-intensity lung tomography annually. It is possible to detect lung cancer early with tomography in these patients in this risk group.
Anadolu Medical Center Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım shared her recommendations for cancer patients who have completed their treatment so that they do not get cancer again:
- Do not smoke,
- eat healthy,
- Do not consume fried foods, saturated fats, acidic and sugary drinks, processed foods, processed meat products.
- Consume different varieties of fresh vegetables and fruits, do not eat one type of diet.
- Choose foods made from whole grains.
- Limit meat consumption. (2-3 per week)
- Exercise: Regular exercise is very important for both physical and mental health.
- Sit less, move more.
- Take care to do light exercises such as walking for at least 30-45 minutes every day or intense exercises for 2-60 minutes twice a week.
- Maintain your ideal weight, if you have gained weight, try to control it with nutrition control and exercise.
Cancer symptoms are as follows:
- Prolonged persistent cough, shortness of breath,
- Change in bowel habits, prolonged constipation or persistent diarrhea,
- bloody sputum,
- Seeing blood in the big toilet, bloody vomiting,
- Seeing blood in the urine
- Bloody and persistent vaginal discharge, bleeding in menopausal women,
- Hardness and mass in the breast, swelling, enlargement of the lymph nodes,
- Stiffness and masses that appear suddenly in the body, abdominal swelling,
- Bleeding in moles on the skin, change in color and shape, growth,
- Unexplained weight loss, persistent high fever, excessive night sweats, fatigue,
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes,
Those who have such complaints should consult a doctor.