Early Diagnosis Saves Lives: Gynecologist Spoke about the Importance of Cancer Screening

Regular screening for early detection of cancer is extremely important. For example, the Pap test and HPV test are key to detecting precancerous changes in the cervix, and mammography helps to detect breast cancer at early stages. This greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and saving patients' lives. Obstetrician-gynecologist Kateryna Tymoshchuk told about this in an exclusive commentary to UNN.

Early diagnosis of cancer is key to successful treatment and saving patients' lives

According to her, the cytological Pap test and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test are the gold standard for cervical cancer screening. "Detecting precancerous changes or the presence of human papillomavirus, which is the main risk factor, allows you to start treatment in time and prevent the development of cancer. Regular Pap test, especially in combination with HPV test, reduces mortality from cervical cancer by 70% or more, especially among women over 30," the doctor emphasized.

In addition, Tymoshchuk said that mammography is the standard for early detection of breast cancer, especially in women over 40. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin at a stage when the tumor is less aggressive and more localized, which significantly improves the chances of survival.

Ovarian cancer screening,  according to the obstetrician-gynecologist, is less developed. "Unfortunately, due to the lack of sensitive and specific tests, early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is difficult to ensure, although ultrasound and CA-125 levels can help in risk groups," Tymoshchuk said.

She also said that thyroid cancer screening is not routine. However, if nodules or elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are detected, doctors may prescribe an ultrasound scan, which helps to detect aggressive forms of cancer early.

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Some screenings in Ukraine can be done free of charge. For example, UNN reported that the local authorities in Brovary introduced the program "With Care for Everyone" for 2024-2026, which aims to provide social protection and medical support to the most vulnerable populations of the Brovary territorial community.

In , this program provides regular diagnostics for the early detection of cancer. In particular, the following examinations are available to community members:

• cervical cancer cytology screening (liquid Pap test) and HPV testing for women over 21 years of age;

• Breast and ovarian cancer screening for women over 30;

• screening for thyroid cancer by a doctor's referral;

• urological screening for the diagnosis of prostate cancer for men over 35 years of age.

Citizens of Ukraine who are registered and live in the Brovary community can undergo these examinations free of charge once a year.

In addition, the Brovary community has several other  important medical programsaimed at supporting the health of the community, in particular, the privileged categories of the population. Ihor Kravtsov, director of the Brovary City Center for Primary Health Care, told UNN in an exclusive commentary that one of the key programs is to provide privileged categories of the population, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), with free medicines and medical supplies.

In addition, the local authorities of Brovary allocate significant funds to support cancer patients living in the community. The hospital provides them with free chemotherapy drugs, which are expensive because all the components are foreign-made.

Brovary Mayor Ihor Sapozhko, in an exclusive commentary to UNN, emphasized that such programs are important for the health and well-being of the community. He added that the city authorities will continue to support these initiatives despite the limited budget.

"We understand how important these programs are for our citizens, especially for those who need constant medical support. The programs of free medicines, support for cancer patients and cancer prevention are vital initiatives, and we are doing our best to maintain them even in difficult conditions. Taking care of the health of our community remains our priority," said Sapozhko.