Although great advances have been made in the treatment of cancer, the impact on survival rates has been incremental rather than dramatic. Many cancer patients are also diagnosed relatively late, at which stage their treatment options are often severely limited.
Early detection can also play an important role in reducing cancer mortality.
Primary strategies include the Pap test for cervical cancer, mammography, and colorectal cancer screening by occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.
Prevention and early detection of cancer are key strategies in cancer control efforts. You must be responsible for your own health – only you hold the key to your well-being.
If certain cancers are preventable and most cancers are treatable and curable, especially with effective treatment in the early stages.
How to Prevent Cancer or Find It Early?
Screening Tests. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best. ...
Vaccines (Shots) Vaccines (shots) also help lower cancer risk. ...
Healthy Choices
Whats is regular screening?
Screening helps to detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions before any symptoms appear. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage.
Starting 40 years old, you should do a health screening every 2 years. From 55 years old, you should evaluate the opportunity to do it once every every year.
What are the benefits of screening?
Early Detection allows for Early Treatment
Screening helps to detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions before any symptoms appear. The treatment would be less aggressive as the tumour is smaller and has not spread to other parts of the body
Less Treatment Needed means Less Cost Incurred
Treatment of early cancers is typically less invasive as compared to more advanced cancers.
Receiving less treatment also means less cost incurred and shorter recovery time.
Treating Pre-cancer before they have the chance to progress
If pre-cancerous conditions are found, there would be even less to worry about. Treatment can be done to prevent the conditions from progressing into cancer.
What are the healthy Choices:
A proper diet where you healthy food, vegetables and fruits regularly.
Regular exercise that will work out your cardio, endurance and performance.
Minimize Sun Exposure to avoid skin issues
Do not smoke, cigarettes increase by nearly 30 times your probability to have a cancer, and
Consume intelligently alcohol.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but advancements in medical research and technology have significantly improved our ability to prevent and detect it early. Early detection and prevention are crucial in reducing the incidence and mortality rates of cancer. This article delves into the strategies for preventing cancer and the methods for its early detection.
Prevention of Cancer
Preventing cancer involves a combination of lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and regular medical check-ups. Here are some key strategies:
Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the risk of cancer. Limiting processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages is also recommended.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces inflammation, and improves immune function, all of which can lower cancer risk.
Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking and using other forms of tobacco are major risk factors for many types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, and bladder cancer. Quitting tobacco significantly reduces the risk.
Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancer, including liver, breast, and colon cancer. Moderation is key.
2. Vaccinations
Certain viruses are linked to cancer development. Vaccinations can prevent infections that may lead to cancer, such as:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The HPV vaccine can prevent cervical, anal, and other types of cancer.
Hepatitis B: This vaccine helps prevent hepatitis B infection, which can lead to liver cancer.
3. Sun Protection
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer. Protective measures include:
Using sunscreen with a high SPF.
Wearing protective clothing and hats.
Avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
4. Regular Medical Check-ups
Routine screenings and check-ups can identify precancerous conditions or early-stage cancer, making treatment more effective. Some recommended screenings include:
Mammograms for breast cancer.
Pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer.
Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer.
Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer in high-risk individuals.
Early Detection of cancer
Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. It involves screening tests, self-examinations, and being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.
1. Screening Tests
Screening tests can detect cancer before symptoms appear. Some common screening tests include:
Mammography: Used to detect breast cancer, typically recommended for women over 40.
Pap Test and HPV Testing: These tests detect cervical cancer and are recommended for women starting at age 21.
Colonoscopy: Detects colorectal cancer and is recommended for individuals starting at age 50 or earlier for those with a family history.
Low-dose CT Scan: Used for early detection of lung cancer in long-term smokers aged 55-74.
2. Self-Examinations
Self-examinations help individuals recognize any unusual changes in their bodies. Regular self-exams for breast and testicular cancer can lead to early diagnosis.
Breast Self-Exam: Women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
Testicular Self-Exam: Men should check for lumps or changes in the size or shape of the testicles.
3. Recognizing Symptoms
Being aware of potential cancer symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly can lead to early diagnosis. Common symptoms to watch for include:
Unexplained weight loss.
Persistent fatigue.
Changes in skin moles or warts.
Persistent cough or hoarseness.
Unusual bleeding or discharge.
Persistent pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
Cancer prevention and early detection are critical components in the fight against this disease. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying up-to-date with vaccinations, protecting oneself from harmful UV radiation, and undergoing regular screenings, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer. Early detection through screenings and awareness of symptoms increases the likelihood of successful treatment and survival. Public health initiatives and personal responsibility both play vital roles in the ongoing battle against cancer
Sources:
https://mtalvernia.sg/news/when-should-i-start-going-for-health-screening/
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