Alertness and early diagnosis of cancer (tests, analyzes, laboratory and other studies) are important to obtain a positive prognosis. The cancer detected in the early stages is effectively treatable and controlled, the survival rate among patients is high, the prognosis is positive. Comprehensive screening is carried out at the request of the patient or in the direction of an oncologist at the Center for the early diagnosis of cancer (in Stavropol, Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan and other Russian cities). The early diagnosis program aims to identify oncology in the initial stages, when treatment is most effective.
Oncological diseases: statistics
Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the world. Oncological diseases are about 200 diagnoses, and each type of cancer has its own signs, methods of diagnosis and therapy. The incidence rate is increasing by 3% annually, and WHO estimates that over the next twenty years this figure will increase by almost 70%. Today, 14.1 million cases of the disease are registered annually in the world, and 8.2 million people die from various types of cancer and complications.
British oncologists believe that the list of the most common types of cancer has changed little over the past half century. The most common are: cancer of the lungs, breast, intestines, prostate and stomach. Cancer of the liver, cervix, esophagus, bladder, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (malignant neoplasms of the lymphatic system) are not far behind. Almost half (42%) of cases of diseases worldwide are oncological diseases of the lungs, breast, intestines and prostate gland. The most common among men is lung cancer, among women - breast.
At 169.3 million years, scientists estimate the loss of years of life due to cancers. Worldwide, there are more than 32.6 million cancer patients - the number of people who were diagnosed with this diagnosis five years before the end of 2012. A third of all cases are associated with four leading risk factors: smoking, alcohol, poor nutrition and overweight, as well as lack of physical activity. Smoking causes about 20% of deaths from lung cancer. In 18% of cases, the cause is infection. In poor regions, this figure is much higher.
In Asia, 48% of new cases are recorded, in Europe - 24.4%, America - 20.5%, Africa - 6%, Oceania - 1.1%. So, more than 60% of new cases are diagnosed in Africa, Asia, South and Central America. About 70% of deaths are attributed to these regions. Europe and North America have a relatively low mortality rate when compared with the total number of new patients.
The highest incidence is reported in Denmark. There were recorded 338 diseases per 100 thousand people. In France, this figure is slightly lower - 325 people, in Australia 323 people, in Belgium - 321, in Norway - 318. As for states in the Middle East, the worst indicators in Israel.
In developing countries, 99% of deaths are due to untreated cancer. At the same time, 90% of strong analgesics are used in Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the USA and some European countries. It turns out that less than 10% of painkillers are used by 80% of the population. The statistics are really terrifying. These data are provided to popularize information and combat the prejudices that are associated with a terrible disease. It is important to remember that mass early diagnosis of cancer would significantly reduce the statistics.
The main risk factors for cancer
WHO identifies factors that increase the risk of developing a serious illness. Among those cancer risk factors that are scientifically proven, the following are of particular importance. The emergence of oncology can be associated both with certain characteristics of the body and the health status of a particular patient, and with environmental conditions.
Some infectious diseases cause structural changes that lead to the formation of malignant neoplasms. Of particular importance are: hepatitis C and B virus, immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV). Timely use of antiviral, antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs helps to avoid serious complications.
HIV often leads to the development of acute forms of cancer of the lymph nodes and blood. The reason for this is the restructuring of genetic material. HPV causes cervical cancer and precancerous conditions in 70% of cases. There are more than 100 types of HPV, of which 13 lead to the development of malignant neoplasms. The bacterium Helicobacter provokes gastric cancer, viral hepatitis B and C - liver damage.
Benign neoplasms are prone to malignant degeneration. This, for example, intestinal polyps, cervical erosion, changes in the esophagus. The early diagnosis of oncology will help to eliminate the influence of this risk factor.
Genetic mutations that are inherited are associated with the occurrence of malignant tumors. For example, one of these is a mutation that increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. With certain types of intestinal polyposis or Lynch syndrome, the probability of a malignant tumor developing during life approaches 100%. Effective preventive measures allow you to take an early diagnosis of cancer and cancer alertness. In some cases, even preventive operations are carried out.
Environmental pollution and the harmful effects of chemical carcinogens lead to a significant increase in the incidence of cancer of the lungs, bladder and breast, blood and skin. Strict observance of recommendations regarding the use of detergents and other household chemicals will help reduce the number of cases. A harmful factor is the effect of ultraviolet radiation and ionizing radiation. Strict adherence to building codes (excessive radon concentration in building materials), dosed exposure to the sun and the use of sunscreens will help reduce the harmful effects.
A balanced diet will help prevent the development of many diseases. In your daily diet should be a sufficient amount of antioxidants that are found in fruits and vegetables. The lack of these substances can trigger the development of cancer. Fats are carcinogenic, especially those that have undergone multiple heat treatments, some colorants and preservatives.
The connection between obesity and the development of cancer of the intestine, uterus, esophagus, and mammary gland has been proven. Systemic and local effects are exerted by the systematic use of alcohol and smoking. The direct connection between smoking and cancer incidence of the esophagus, stomach, lips, larynx, pharynx, bladder, cervix and pancreas has been proved.
The most effective methods of early diagnosis
Most malignant neoplasms have a relatively favorable prognosis if detected in the early stages. Modern diagnostics can be limited to minor procedures in order to preserve the affected organ and prevent the negative effects of therapy. For early diagnosis of cancer, screening is widely used today - several laboratory tests and instrumental methods that allow you to detect a tumor in the absence of a clinical picture. Screening tests are widely used not only for people who are exposed to risk factors, but also for relatively healthy people of different ages.
The main methods in the framework of early diagnosis of cancer are the following: test for tumor markers, genetic tests, occult blood test, PAP test, mammography, breast MRI, ultrasound, CT, endoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, mole scan and skin examination.
A blood test for tumor markers allows doctors to suspect the presence of precancerous changes in patients who do not show any complaints. Some studies are recommended to be carried out massively after reaching a certain age. This is, for example, a test that diagnoses prostate cancer (recommended once every two years after 40-50 years). Genetic studies are prescribed for suspected genetic mutations that increase the risk of cancer. A special study is shown in the family circle of patients who suffer from cancer of the uterus or ovaries, as well as breast.
An analysis of feces for occult blood makes it possible to determine even minor gastric bleeding, which is often caused by oncology. Periodically, the study is recommended for all persons over fifty years of age, as well as for anemia of unknown nature in patients of various ages.
The PAP test and HPV test are recommended for women from 21 to 65 years old. These methods make it possible to identify not only a cancerous tumor, but also timely diagnose precancerous changes that can be treated effectively.
Mammography and regular monitoring by a mammologist are the most effective methods for diagnosing oncology in the early stages. Mammography significantly reduces the risk of detecting malignant neoplasms in inoperable stages in patients from 40 to 74 years old. Often, such a study is combined with ultrasound, which allows you to get a comprehensive picture of the condition of the breast.
MRI is performed to diagnose the smallest structural changes in tissue according to the recommendations of specialists. It is indicated for patients with diagnosed mutations such as BRCA2 and 1. The same groups, as well as women with Lynch syndrome, are shown an ultrasound transvaginal sensor for timely diagnosis of transformations in the ovaries and uterus.
CT is performed with a low dose. This method is recommended for patients who are exposed to risk factors for lung cancer, as well as all smokers after fifty-five years.
Endoscopic methods can detect cancer and precancerous changes in the digestive tract. Gastroscopy some time ago was massively carried out as part of the early diagnosis of cancer in Japan, since there, gastric cancer occupied a leading place among all cancer diseases.
Colonoscopy is recommended for people over 50 who are at risk. The study is also carried out in the presence of hereditary risk factors in patients of any age. Medicine today allows you to go through a non-invasive bowel examination - a virtual colonoscopy. The method is indispensable for patients with contraindications to the invasive technique.
Timely detection of melanoma allows observation by a dermatologist and the use of optical diagnostic methods. Examination by a dermatologist is recommended for all patients with pigmented changes (moles and age spots). It is also necessary to monitor the dynamics of the growth of moles using periodic scanning.
Early diagnosis of breast cancer
Breast cancer is extremely common among women (compared to other types of cancer). The main methods for early diagnosis of cancer in women are manual examination (including self-examination), mammography, ultrasound, the determination of the presence of hereditary mutations, as well as a biopsy. Often the first method is quite informative - the usual manual examination. Palpation allows you to detect the presence of seals, assess their nature, see dermatological symptoms (redness, discharge from the nipple), the condition of the lymph nodes.
But nevertheless, the most reliable methods are instrumental when it comes to early diagnosis of cancer. And the patient’s alertness, by the way, is of no small importance here. A woman may conduct self-tests from time to time. Reasons to see a doctor are pain in one of the glands, a change in the shape and shape of the breast, tight formation, bloody or any atypical discharge from the nipples, swelling on the nipple, retraction or wrinkling of the skin of the chest, enlarged lymph nodes on the corresponding side.
Mammography is an informative and safe method by which you can identify a tumor even before it is detected by palpation. Pictures of the breast are recommended to be performed annually after 40 years. The question of additional diagnostic methods is decided by the doctor according to the results of MMG. Ultrasound is informative for patients younger than 40 years. The method is absolutely safe and can be used for dynamic monitoring of the patient. A biopsy is indicated when a tumor is detected. If the formation is less than 1 cm, then the manipulation resembles a normal injection. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, without preparation, usually does not require pain relief. Material for histological examination is processed within seven to ten days.
Methods for the early diagnosis of skin cancer
If the patient has many moles, then within the framework of on-alertness and early diagnosis of cancer, the test is carried out to determine the nature of skin formations. Often, harmless moles hide diseases bordering on skin cancer, as well as malignant neoplasms. This can be, for example, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and so on. Benign neoplasms, which due to their localization are constantly injured, it is desirable to remove. It is often recommended for people with the first skin type: red or blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. Before excising a mole, dermatoscopy is recommended. It is necessary to determine whether a malignant neoplasm or benign. After that, the specialist will determine the best method of therapy: cryodestruction or excision.
Additional research: tumor marker test
The test for tumor markers is carried out as an additional study in the framework of prevention and early diagnosis of cancer. Oncomarkers are specific substances that appear during the development of a tumor. This analysis can be carried out without the direction of an oncologist, but not for free. As part of the program for the early diagnosis of cancer, the test is carried out according to the policy of compulsory medical insurance in the presence of certain indications. The analysis determines the markers of the oncological process in the rectum, colon, liver, stomach, lungs, prostate gland, bladder, mammary gland, pancreas, ovaries, gall bladder. Tumor markers in small amounts may be present in the body of a healthy person. Under certain conditions, their number increases, so that the discrepancy between the results and the norm does not always indicate the presence of oncology.
Reasons for an extraordinary diagnosis
Any symptoms that have not bothered before are an occasion for an extraordinary screening. Should alert: subcutaneous node of any localization, formation on the skin, persistent cough, bleeding or changes in bowel function (diarrhea, constipation). Women are advised to consult a doctor with an increase in axillary lymph nodes, palpation of the seal in the mammary gland, changes in the skin of the chest or discharge from the nipple.
In addition, background diseases precede many types of oncology. This, for example, chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer for stomach cancer. For cervical cancer, erosion and polyps are a precancerous disease. With such diagnoses, screening should be done annually. The same is recommended if there are several risk factors.If you have questions related to diagnostics, you should contact the insurance representative of the company that issued the MHI policy - this is an important regulatory document. Early diagnosis of oncology (that is, an affordable range of medical services) is determined by the policy.
The need for diagnosis in the presence of family risk
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Today for general practitioners an electronic course has been developed for distance learning. This is necessary for the formation of competencies in identifying oncology at an early stage. The development of an individual cycle for certification in the specialty is a prerequisite for the development of the module "On-alertness and early diagnosis of cancer." The cycle is also needed for accrediting a doctor in a specialty.
Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment
Diagnosis of oncology in the early stages can significantly increase the percentage of survival, and also increases the likelihood of a full recovery. Survival for five years from the moment of diagnosis of the tumor, as a rule, indicates a complete recovery of the patient or effective medical control of tumor growth. In lung cancer, the prognosis depends not only on the stage, but also on the histological form of the disease. With breast cancer, skilled treatment in the early stages can achieve up to 90% survival for five years. Gastric oncology is rarely diagnosed in the first stage, and survival for five years reaches almost 80%. Thus, most types of oncology are treatable in 95% of cases if they are diagnosed in the early stages.