Every year, over 100,000 Ukrainians are diagnosed with cancer. According to the National Cancer Registry, in 2023, cancer was detected in 110,022 people - 52,626 men and 57,396 women. This was reported by the Ministry of Health, writes UNN.
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Early detection plays an important role in the successful treatment of oncological diseases – it improves the prognosis for treatment and increases the chances of full recovery. Therefore, early cancer diagnosis is a priority for the healthcare system.
In addition, on January 1, 2025, an order on the procedure for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer, as well as monitoring the health status of patients at risk, came into force in Ukraine.
Breast Cancer (BC)
The Ministry of Health notes that measures for early detection of breast cancer should be aimed at all women over 21 years of age. Among other things, doctors should question the patient about risk factors and symptoms that may indicate BC, and perform a breast examination during preventive medical examinations and check-ups.
If signs are found that may indicate the likelihood of BC development, the doctor refers the patient for further examination to an oncologist or oncology surgeon. For women aged 50-69 - examination and palpation of the mammary glands and referral for mammography - every two years.
Cervical Cancer (CC)
It is reported that cervical cancer prevention is also carried out for women over 21 years of age. Among other things, doctors should question the patient about risk factors and symptoms that may indicate CC. For women aged 35 and older - a PCR test for HPV with genotyping at least once every 10 years. The doctor may change the frequency and types of examinations depending on the presence of risk factors or patient complaints.
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Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Measures for early detection of colorectal cancer include questioning patients over 40 years of age about risk factors and symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer - every 2 years, and in case of identified risk factors - annually.
For people aged 50-75, an examination and referral for a stool occult blood test or a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is recommended - every 2 years, and in the presence of risk factors - annually.
If the test result is positive:
- referral for colonoscopy and consultation with a surgeon-proctologist or oncologist;
- mammography - breast examination;
- hysteroscopy - uterine examination;
- esophagogastroduodenoscopy (gastroscopy) - examination of the esophagus and stomach;
- colonoscopy - examination of the large intestine;
- cystoscopy - examination of the bladder;
- bronchoscopy - examination of the trachea and bronchi.
During the examinations, patients are guaranteed free consultation with a doctor, examination, analysis and description of results, local or general anesthesia during hysteroscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and cystoscopy, etc.
To reduce the risk of developing cancer, it is important to quit smoking and alcohol.
Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, and smoking is the cause of one in four cancer deaths.
Tips on how to quit smoking: stopsmoking.org.ua
Up to 25% of cancer cases are caused by hepatitis and human papillomavirus
Make sure your children are vaccinated against hepatitis B (guaranteed by the state) and, if possible, human papillomavirus.
If possible, get vaccinated yourself. Use barrier contraception during all types of sex to avoid infections that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Limit time spent in the sun.
Do not sunbathe either in the sun or in a solarium.
Ultraviolet radiation causes up to 90% of skin cancer cases
Use sunscreen and sunglasses all year round. Be physically active and follow healthy eating principles.
Eat mostly grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, limit the consumption of smoked and salted meats.
For women: if possible, breastfeed your baby. This reduces the risk of breast cancer.