While Cancer Occurrences Increase, Life Expectancy Also Increases

Considering the cancer occurrence rates, Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Medical Oncology Specialists pointed out that there is an increase both in the world and in Turkey every year and stated: "There are many specific reasons for this increase in Turkey. These include advances in preventive medicine, many developments in medicine, and the decrease in loss of life with all the supportive treatments brought by modern life." 

"Lung Cancer Ranks First in Turkey"

Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Oncology Specialists stated that there is a decrease in cancers related to infectious diseases and an increase in cancers related to old age compared to the past and explained the following about cancer cases in Turkey:

"The most common cancers in men are prostate and lung cancers, followed by colon cancer. The most common cancers in women are breast and lung cancer. In the statistics of recent years, the equality between men and women has unfortunately become more evident in bad habits. As the smoking statistics of women nearing that of men, lung cancer has unfortunately started to take the first place in many parts of the world and also in Turkey."

"Number of People Living with Cancer Increased with Treatments "

Pointing out that the number of cancer patients increases with the population in the world and Turkey, but the loss of life due to cancer is decreasing, experts stated, "Since cancer has become a chronic disease, it is possible to find a patient with cancer everywhere. In fact, it is necessary to look at the positive side. Advances in preventive medicine, many developments in medicine, and all the supportive treatments brought by modern life have reduced the loss of life."

"Breakthrough in Medicine with Immunotherapies"

Specialists, who reminded that the important developments in recent years have a very important role at the point where the cancer rates today, conveyed the following information about the treatment: "Chemotherapy is applied if cancer has progressed to the extent that it cannot be removed by surgery and has spread to the organs in the first place. However, chemotherapy treatment is also used at different stages of treatment depending on the patient's condition. In addition to the traditional cell-killing drugs we have been using for a long time in chemotherapy treatment, smart drugs have been on the agenda, especially in recent years. Finally, immunotherapy has been an important development.

Stating that immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancers, experts stated: "Previously, in cancer treatment, we were investigating where cancer originated from, but with this treatment, it does not matter where cancer starts or where it spreads. With some special staining techniques, we can predetermine which cancers can respond to this treatment. Cancers in this group can receive a full response no matter where they originate or which organ they spread to."

“Very Good Results Can Be Obtained Seventy Percent"

Experts reminded us that one-third of cancers are completely cured today and one-third of cancers have a very long-life expectancy and pointed out the importance of screening and early diagnosis methods at this point. However, drawing attention to the fears of people about having a scan, especially in the current period, they stated "Patients are afraid to go to the hospital for screening or control. When I talk to my colleagues during this period, I hear that many patients who do not go to the hospital have already passed the treatment phase. However, this period will take a long time. Moreover, hospitals are safe places where all precautions are taken. For this reason, people should have their scans in hospitals without fear."

"The Reason for Missing Scans: Fueled Fear"

Stating that although very good results have been achieved in cancer at rates up to 70 percent, there is still fear in people about the disease itself, experts stated: "While the treatment success is so high, it is necessary to investigate why cancer is so feared and why the disease is associated with loss of life. As a society, we are used to motivating and educating people through fear. We think that people will go for more screenings for the fear of cancer. However, people do not go for screening because they think 'I will not get better even if I am diagnosed with cancer anyway'. I think that one of the reasons for the missing screening is due to exaggerated and fueled fear of cancer."

"We Can Reduce the Risk, But We Cannot Eliminate It"

Reminding that cancer can be prevented with very simple measures, Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Medical Oncology Specialists stated: "These include not gaining weight, active life, not smoking, and not consuming alcohol. Even if all precautions are taken, unfortunately, there is a possibility of getting cancer. Our message here is 'yes, we will live healthily, but we will not make the world a misery for ourselves.' We can reduce the risk, but it will never be eliminated. For this reason, early screening programs are gaining importance."  Medical Oncology Specialists warned that despite all these precautions, it should not be forgotten that cancer is a treatable disease when it is diagnosed.

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