February 4 is recognized as "Cancer Day" around the world. On this day, it is aimed to increase the awareness of people about cancer. For this reason, various events and trainings are organized in the world and in our country.
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is the largest and oldest international cancer control organization. Founded in Geneva in 1933, the organization has more than 1,100 members in 170 countries. Its purpose is to unite and support the cancer community to reduce the global burden of cancer and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the world health and development agenda. In the declaration published by The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), what needs to be done around the world in the fight against cancer and important points in this regard are emphasized as follows:
Cancer is a Preventable Disease
Every day, more and more people in the world are exposed to the most important risk factors of cancer such as tobacco and tobacco products, a sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition. By changing unhealthy living habits, more than 1/3 of cancers can be prevented. In addition, protection from ultraviolet radiation and prevention of occupational and environmental exposures are very important in reducing the cancer.
Early Diagnosis Saves Lives
Not all cancers show early symptoms. However, in case of suspicious symptoms, consulting a doctor increases the possibility of early diagnosis, which positively affects the treatment process and after. Recognizing the warnings of cancer types early, investigating the findings and referral of patients for further examination increases the chance of early diagnosis. Individuals should be encouraged to learn about their own bodies, to notice an unusual change, and to be informed about the value of early diagnosis.
Cancer is a disease that requires a long-term struggle, both financially and morally, as well as the health problems it brings. There are 8.8 million deaths due to cancer in the world every year and this figure is expected to increase to 14 million (per year) in the next 10 years. The most common cancers in men; lung and prostate cancers, tobacco-related cancers continue to maintain their importance in men. The most common breast cancer in women remains one of every 4 women's cancers. In both men and women, bowel (colorectal) cancer is the third most common type of cancer. In childhood cancers, leukemia is the most common type of cancer.
In our country, screening programs are carried out for all three cancers recommended by the World Health Organization, namely breast, colon and cervical cancers, in accordance with the resources and disease burden of the society. For a screening program to be successful, it must be community-based and cover 70% of the target population. Some of the "Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centers (KETEM) established under our Ministry of Health provide mobile services. Breast cancer screenings, to the female population from the age of 40; performed with mammography. The contribution of family physicians to cancer screening programs and participation in breast cancer screenings with mobile and built-in KETEMs are increasing day by day. Colon cancer screenings, occult blood in the stool and colonoscopy can be done by detecting tumors in the form of polyps. And cancer can be prevented and in cases with advanced cancer, mortality rates are reduced by early diagnosis. In KETEMs and Family Health Centers, male and female population from the age of 50; colon cancer screening is performed quickly, practically and reliably with the help of fecal occult blood. Studies on cervical cancer have shown that HPV is responsible for nearly 100% of this cancer. In our country, cervical cancers have been started to be screened with HPV-DNA test since 2014, this service is provided free of charge in KETEM and Family Health Centers. Women between the ages of 30-65 are screened with these tests, which they can have every 5 years.
Cancer is an important health problem in terms of individual and public health; people should minimize their risk factors by exhibiting healthy lifestyle behaviors and should not neglect the examination. Examination and screening controls in Family Health Centers, where especially primary health care services are provided, by making use of the services within the scope of national screening programs.
Reference
https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr
