Prevention and early diagnosis are key factors for success in the treatment of tumors
February 4 is the Cancer Day 2025an important opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of tumorsand on the concrete actions that can make a difference. Cancer develops when a group of normal cells undergoes mutations and grows uncontrolledly, forming a mass that, if not treated, can spread and damage the vital organs. A problem that goes far beyond the clinical aspect, and that assumes a profound human dimension: stories of each diagnosis are hidden Pain, courage, solidarity and hope.
In recent years, attention has therefore shifted from the disease to the “People-Centred” approach, which aims to integrate empathy and scientific skills To offer effective and personalized care. In this perspective, timely diagnosis can really make a difference: identifying a tumor in the initial phase increases significantly the chances of care e reduces the impact of invasive therapies. For example, if diagnosed early, breast cancer can reach a Survival rate at five years of 99%. In the late phases, however, the percentage collapses around 27%. This is why it is essential to undergo periodic checks, especially with the advance of age.
The importance of cancer prevention
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Prevention is the first step to be taken to reduce the risk of developing a tumor. Adopt one healthy lifestyle It includes practices that everyone now knows: refraining from smoking, limiting the consumption of alcohol as much as possible, follow a balanced diet and practice regular physical activity. Also theexposure to the sun It should be managed with caution, using protective sunscreen and avoiding tanning lamps. And at work, it is equally important to stick to rules and safety devices to limit contact with harmful substances. Finally, some population bands should evaluate the vaccination against the papillomavirus (HPV) and thehepatitis Bbecause some chronic infections can open the way to the onset of tumors. Prevention means mainly correct information, healthy choices and, last but not least, active participation in screening programs often offered free of charge by the health service.
Tumor screening: from what age to make them
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Screening campaigns are aimed at promptly identifying any precancerous injuries or initial stages of illness. Among the main recommended tests:
- Prostate: many public health programs suggest starting with the dosage of PSA (specific prostate antigen) through a blood test, generally starting from 50 yearspersonalized basis based on the results. In certain cases it is advisable to start from 40 years.
- Uterus: The Pap test (or HPV Test) is suitable for women of fertile, usually from 25 yearsat regular intervals.
- Breast: the mammography it is normally recommended from 50 to 69 years, every two yearsto identify any anomalies of the breast tissue, but some regions have expanded the screening to the band between 45 and 74 years. In some cases of familiarity, it can be anticipated a 40 years.
- Colorectal: The occult blood test in the stool or colonoscopy They represent useful tools for identifying polyps or risk injuries. Usually, you start around 50 yearswith variable intervals based on the previous results, but the hypothesis is being discussed to start already at 45 years old.
Screening for hepatitis C
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In many regions, it screening for hepatitis C It is free or strongly facilitated, since the viruses of hepatitis B, C and the HPV are among the main infectious factors associated with the development of tumors. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, often silentwith mild or absent symptoms for many years. If not treated, it can evolve into cirrhosis and significantly increase the risk of hepatic tumor. The transmission takes place mainly through contact with infected blood, for example during medical procedures or tattoos performed in non -sterile conditions. To diagnose the infection, it is done a venous withdrawal in search of anti-hcv antibodies; In case of positivity, a confirmation test (HCV-RNA) establishes whether the virus is still present in the body. In this case, we proceed with the administration of new generation antiviral drugs, which lead to healing in over 95% of cases.
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