APRIL 1-7 NATIONAL CANCER WEEK

Uluslararası Kanser Araştırmaları Kurumu (IARC) çevresel ve yaşam tarzı faktörlerinin, küresel kanser yükünün yaklaşık %50’sine katkıda bulunduğunu, nedenleri hâlâ bilinemeyen kalan %50’lik kanser yüküne de etki yapmasının muhtemel olduğunu vurgulamaktadır. Ülkemizde yılda yaklaşık 240 thousand cancer cases Cancer is diagnosed. It is estimated that this number will reach 419,000 in 2045. In our country, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people will develop cancer by the age of 75, and 1 in 8 people will die from cancer. It is possible to reduce the risk of cancer by eating a healthy diet, staying away from tobacco and tobacco products, and leading an active life. However, many cancers that are diagnosed early and treated appropriately have a high chance of recovery.

Common Cancer Types and Basic Information

• Lung Cancer

Importance: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and in our country. While tobacco and tobacco product use is the strongest risk factor, passive smoking exposure, air pollution, and certain occupational chemicals also increase the risk of the disease.

Symptoms: Lung cancer may not show symptoms in its early stages. The most common symptoms include: a persistent or worsening cough, bloody sputum, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Methods of Protection: Avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products, avoiding passive smoke, staying away from environments with high levels of air pollution as much as possible, and taking protective measures against occupational chemicals.

• Prostate Cancer

Importance: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The risk increases significantly, especially after age 50. Family history and genetic factors can increase the risk of the disease.

Symptoms: Prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms in its early stages. In later stages, the following symptoms may appear: frequent urination, weak urine stream, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine or semen.

Methods of Protection: Balanced and healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoid smoking and alcohol use, get regular health checkups.

• Breast Cancer

Importance: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Treatment success is very high when detected early.

Symptoms: Painless lumps in the breast, changes in the breast skin or an orange peel appearance, nipple retraction or bloody discharge, and lumps in the armpit.

 Methods of Protection: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding alcohol and smoking, supporting breastfeeding, and participating in regular screening programs.

• Cervical (Uterine Neck) Cancer

Importance: Cervical cancer is largely associated with HPV infection and is among the types of cancer that can be prevented through regular screening.

Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain.

Methods of Protection: Regular screening tests, safe sex practices, not smoking.

• Colorectal Cancer

Importance: Colorectal cancer develops in the large intestine and rectum and is largely preventable or treatable when detected early.

 Symptoms: Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or bloating, unexplained weight loss are all signs of anemia.

 Methods of Protection: Eating a diet rich in fiber, limiting red and processed meat consumption, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are important.

• Lymphoma

Importance: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is divided into two main groups: Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's.

Symptoms: Painless enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, night sweats, unexplained fever, weight loss, and fatigue.

Methods of Protection: While there is no definitive way to prevent lymphoma... healthy lifestyle habits and protecting the immune system It is important.

• Skin Cancer

Importance: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that can develop as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

Symptoms: Newly formed or growing moles, moles that change color, shape, or size, sores that don't heal, itching, or bleeding.

Methods of Protection: Protect yourself from the sun, use sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and wear protective clothing and hats.

• Stomach Cancer

Significance: Stomach cancer is particularly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, and excessive consumption of salty/processed foods.

Symptoms: Symptoms include persistent stomach pain or burning, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and bloating after meals.

Prevention methods: Eating a healthy and balanced diet, reducing consumption of salty and processed foods, not smoking, and treating Helicobacter pylori infection.

• Thyroid Cancer

Importance: Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, and is generally among the types of cancer that can be treated in the early stages.

Symptoms: Symptoms include a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Methods of Protection: Although there is no definitive method of protection. Regular health checkups and early consultation It is important.

These scans FREE aspect:

• Family Health Centers (FHCs),
• Cancer Early Detection, Screening and
• Training Centers (KETEM)
• Healthy Life Centers (HLCs) provide cancer screening through mobile cancer screening units (Mobile Cancer Early Detection Centers).

Let's not forget:

Preventing cancer is largely within our control. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding risk factors, and participating in regular screenings save lives.