Among non-communicable diseases, cancer ranks second. The success of the fight against any disease is its prevention, and cancer is no exception.
What are the types of cancer prevention?
Primary prevention is measures aimed directly at preventing the occurrence of a disease.
Secondary prevention – measures to detect cancer in the early stages of development. Secondary prevention measures include screening for malignant neoplasms.
Tertiary prevention – measures to prevent disability (rehabilitation) of cancer patients.
Primary prevention:simple rules.
Smoking is not fashionable!
Tobacco smoking is the most important factor in the development of cancer. Smoking is associated with the development of various types of cancer: cancer of the lung, larynx, stomach, mouth, bladder, kidney and cervix. The decision to quit smoking is one of the most important health decisions. There is no need to make compromises - switch to lighter cigarettes in order to reduce the risk of getting cancer, since it is not so much nicotine that has a carcinogenic property, but the aromatic resins contained in cigarettes, and their level practically does not change.
Healthy eating:
1. Eat enough fruits and vegetables, at least 400 g per day.
2. Increase your intake of grains and legumes, aiming for at least 35 grams of dietary fiber from whole grains or bran per day.
3. Limit fatty foods, especially animal origin.
4. Eat in moderation.
A healthy weight and regular physical activity.
Being overweight increases your risk of developing breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney cancer. Moderate physical activity, at least 30 minutes per day, improves quality of life and helps maintain a healthy weight. If you don’t have time to visit a gym or fitness club, walk in the fresh air, go jogging, or do daily exercises at home.
Sun protection.
The most common type of cancer, skin cancer, is directly related to sun exposure. Avoid midday sun, protect your skin with clothing, use sunscreen, and avoid tanning beds.
Vaccinations.
Some types of cancer are caused by viral infections. Thus, viral hepatitis B and C increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Vaccination against hepatitis B protects against this infection and the risk of developing liver cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination against HPV before sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Secondary cancer prevention
This group of preventive measures includes various types of medical examinations aimed at identifying cancer in the early stages and precancerous diseases.
The following examination methods are used:
• fluorography – x-ray examination of the lungs aimed at detecting cancer of the lungs and mediastinum (once a year);
• mammography – x-ray of the mammary glands, which allows one to suspect breast cancer (after 40 years, once every 1-2 years); Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter referred to as MRI) – up to 40 years according to indications;
• cytological examination of a cervical smear – prevention of cervical cancer;
• endoscopic examinations: colonoscopy, allows to detect colon cancer at a very early stage; bronchoscopy, allows to exclude cancer of the bronchi and lungs, fibrogastroduodenoscopy – stomach cancer;
• blood testing for tumor markers - special chemicals whose concentration increases when oncology occurs. Most types of cancer have their own tumor markers (for men over 45 years of age, testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) - once a year);
Secondary prevention methods also include cancer self-diagnosis. The effectiveness of self-diagnosis is especially clearly visible in the example of breast cancer prevention - every woman should be able to palpate her mammary glands for the presence of formations in them.
The introduction of screening programs for the prevention of breast, prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer has increased the detection of the disease in the early stages by 50%.
A correct attitude towards one’s health, which includes following basic rules of prevention and regular medical examinations, allows a person to reduce the risk of developing cancer.
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