Specialist warns: Early diagnosis in cancer saves lives

Explaining the most common types of cancer in Turkey and screening methods, ALKU Faculty of Medicine Medical Oncology and Internal Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. İsmail Beypınar emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in the treatment of cancer. Stating that his knowledge of early diagnosis and the development of early diagnosis tests give hope, Beypınar said, “The most common cancer types in our country are breast, large intestine, stomach, esophagus, lung, uterus and cervix cancers. Within the framework of the «Early Diagnosis in Cancer» Programs carried out by our Ministry of Health, screening programs are carried out for breast, large intestine, prostate and cervical cancers in accordance with the resources and disease burden of the society. There is no established screening program for lung cancer in our country yet. For this reason, quitting tobacco products is of great importance. In terms of cervical cancer, although it is not yet in the routine vaccination program in our country, there are HPV vaccines to be applied especially to our young girls. It is known that the protection of the vaccine is between 95 and 99 percent.

“What are the ways and symptoms of cancer prevention?”

Touching on ways to prevent cancer, Assoc. Dr. İsmail Beypınar said, “There is no preventable treatment for cancer with food or vitamin supplements. It is important that you do direct scans and stay away from smoking and follow our healthy living recommendations. It is necessary to eat healthy, especially to avoid tobacco products and excess weight. The leading symptoms of cancer, which is one of the leading health problems of our age, are weight loss, abnormal bleeding, and persistent pain. In particular, women’s self-examination of breasts should be considered as an examination to the relevant department once a year.

Services provided to cancer patients in Alanya EAH

Assoc. Dr. Beypınar said, “We provided polyclinic service to over 100 cancer patients in Alanya in a year. By increasing the number of sessions, our monthly chemotherapy number has exceeded 350,” he said.