Focus on oncology and cancer screening
In Europe, most people in Hungary continue to die in proportion to the population caused by malignant neoplasms. One in five men and one in ten women die prematurely at the age of less than 75, according to a statement from Affidea Hungary. It was announced in connection with the National Cancer Day on April 10, and in addition to cancer screening and follow-up imaging diagnostic services, an oncology clinic was also launched.
The aim of the recent day is to raise awareness of the importance of cancer prevention. Gyula Dollinger, a surgeon and professor who was once considered the pioneer of Hungarian cancer research, was born on this day, and in 1902 formed the National Cancer Commission.
More than 31,000 deaths
In 2020, 66,874 cases of malignant neoplasm were diagnosed in Hungary, and in the same year, 31,623 patients died of cancer. Today, a Hungarian man has a 20 percent chance of having a malignancy before the age of 75, compared to a 13 percent chance of females. In addition to skin tumors, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, bladder and kidney cancers are the most common men, while breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer are at the top of the list in women, followed by uterine malignancy. and pancreatic cancer. Hungary is the leading sign in Europe of a person who has died as a result of cancer determined in proportion to the population.
Cancer screening and oncology clinic
The detection of malignant tumors and the screening tests were mostly performed with some kind of imaging procedure. In connection with this, Lilla Kardos, the leading medical director of Affide Hungary, said that people in Hungary are less screened, which is why the rate of deaths due to cancer is outstanding. He stressed that the earlier a malignant lesion is known, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
In addition to imaging diagnostic tests for the screening and follow-up of cancer, the oncology clinic also plays an extremely important role. The expert pointed out that the onk involves a variety of drug treatment procedures. These treatments can be done before surgery to reduce the tumor and to keep the tumor free after surgery. He highlighted that oncology is a very dynamically developing field, with several types of drugs: hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted biological treatments, immunotherapies.
According to Lilla Kardos, patients are increasingly in need of information about the effectiveness of treatments and side effects. At the oncology order of Affidea Hungary, asking for a second opinion about a cancer therapy, the patient can get information about the cancer and treatment options, get help in the field of therapeutic alternatives, as well as information on how to support and maintain the quality of life during the treatments, he explained.
12 ways to prevent cancer
The World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have developed a recommendation, the European Code for the Prevention of Cancer in Europe, which summarizes in 12 points the methods that best reduce the risk of developing malignancies.
According to this, we can prevent the development of the tumor by not smoking, avoiding smoky homes and workplaces, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising daily. we eat right, that is, we eat a lot of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, we limit high-calorie foods, red meat and high-salt foods, and we avoid sugary drinks and processed meat products. reduce your alcohol consumption, avoid direct sunlight, use sunscreen for sunbathing, and follow your workplace health recommendations to avoid carcinogens and situations.
It is also important to reduce the radon levels in our homes with frequent ventilation. Participation in vaccination programs to prevent cancer – hepatitis B and HPV – is recommended, but breastfeeding should also be considered as it reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. It is recommended to avoid hormone replacement therapies as they have been shown to lead to malignancy – attention has been drawn. In addition, experts have suggested that everyone be screened regularly. Screening for breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer is especially important.