Oncologists give a clear answer: the main method of prevention and early detection of cancer is cancer screening
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Last Sunday, legendary KVN presenter Alexander Maslyakov passed away. According to unofficial data, he died of lung cancer. The tumor was discovered accidentally and at a late stage. Unfortunately, this situation is not so rare. And the urgent question is: when and what tests should be done in order not to miss the development of a tumor?
Oncologists give a clear answer: the main method of prevention and early detection of cancer is cancer screening. These are regular examinations that in Russia are included in the free medical examination of compulsory medical insurance. Based on statistics of the most common types of cancer at a given age, experts have drawn up a schedule of necessary medical examinations. Komsomolskaya Pravda provides an updated list* to identify the most common tumors in men and women.
1. Breast cancer
Examination: mammography. It is performed on women aged 40 to 75 once every 2 years.
2. Cervical cancer
Examination: cytological examination of a smear of the cervix. It is performed for women aged 18 to 64 years once every 3 years.
3. Prostate cancer
Test: determination of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood. It is performed on men aged 45, 50, 55, 60 and 64 years.
4. Cancer of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
Examination: esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is performed on men and women aged 45 and over. It is also performed regardless of age, if there are medical indications in the second stage of the medical examination.
5. Lung cancer
Examination: Chest X-ray or CT scan of the lungs. It is performed for men and women in the presence of medical indications at the second stage of the medical examination.
6. Colorectal cancer
Screening: Fecal occult blood test. Performed for men and women aged 40 to 64 once every 2 years; for those aged 65 to 75, once a year.
7. Skin cancer
Examination: skin examination with magnification (dermatoscopy). It is performed for men and women in the presence of medical indications at the second stage of the medical examination.
* In accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Health of Russia dated April 27, 2021 No. 404n.
IMPORTANT
What symptoms to look out for?
In addition to undergoing cancer screening, doctors recommend paying attention to suspicious symptoms. Let’s note right away: they do not always indicate cancer and may be signs of another disease (this happens even more often). But it is very important to get checked in order to live in peace.
– The appearance of swelling, lymph nodes and other neoplasms in any part of the body.
– Cough, change in voice, hoarseness, difficulty breathing that does not go away for more than 3 weeks.
– The appearance of blood in sputum, urine, stool, between menstruations or after menopause.
– Wounds and damage to the skin and mucous membranes that do not heal for more than 3 weeks.
– New moles or changes in old ones (darkening, deformation, growth).
– Bowel (constipation, diarrhea) or bladder disorders that do not go away for more than 2-3 weeks.
According to the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO).
According to statistics, the peak incidence of cancer occurs between the ages of 65 and 74.
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ABOUT THE TOPIC
After age 75, cancer risk decreases dramatically
According to statistics, the peak incidence of cancer occurs between the ages of 65 and 74. And from the age of 75 onwards, the risk of developing tumours… decreases dramatically. Observations have long shown this pattern. But it was not known for certain why this happens. One explanation is that people who live to 75 are generally in better health. The weakest die earlier from cancer.
The second possible reason is that cells in the body divide less actively in old age. That is why tumors grow less aggressively. As practicing oncologists told KP, especially when prostate cancer is detected in very old men, they are not always prescribed treatment. It can be very painful, and some types of prostate cancer develop so slowly that the patient lives normally with the tumor. The years allotted to him by nature are practically not shortened.
A scientific article was recently published in the journal Nature with a new version of the sharp decline in the incidence of cancer in old age. (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02107-z) The study was conducted using as an example lung cancer in mice whose age was comparable to that of humans over 75 years old. The analysis showed that as the body ages, the production of a certain protein (NUPR1) increases. It participates in processes that inhibit rapid cell growth. And this prevents the development of tumors.
Humans also have this protein in their lung tissue. And between the ages of 75 and 80, its amount is significantly higher than at a younger age, the scientists note. Therefore, the same cancer control mechanism is likely to work in humans as in mice. The researchers hope to use the discovered pattern in the development of new approaches to cancer treatment.
BY THE WAY
Wasted money and unnecessary worries
In recent years, blood tests for tumor markers have become very popular in commercial clinics. They say that in order not to worry, just get tested – they will show you if you have hidden tumors. It costs a lot – tens of thousands of rubles. What is the final result?
In fact, these markers are indicative only if a person has already been diagnosed with cancer. And it is necessary to clarify the stage, extent of the tumor process and other data, oncologists explain. If there is no oncological diagnosis yet, then certain deviations shown by tests may indicate a whole host of other diseases or features of the person’s condition. At the same time, normal tumor markers do not at all guarantee that there are no tumors. Cancer screening tests are much more effective.
“The analysis of tumor markers has an auxiliary value. Therefore, it makes no sense to donate them “just like that” to a healthy person,” Andrey Kaprin, chief oncologist of the Ministry of Health, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasizes on his Telegram channel. The only exception is the PSA tumor marker for men, which is included in cancer screening as part of clinical examination (see above).
And yes, let’s be clear: there is still no “drop of blood” test for all types of cancer. Developments are actively underway in different countries around the world, but so far none have proven to be highly reliable. If someone offers you such a service, it is a scam.
