The diagnosis of “cancer” disturbs the lives of all those who face this condition, which is estimated to reach 24 million diseases worldwide in 2035. Patients, family members, medical staff, all team up for to overcome, treat and overcome all unpleasant aspects of the disease. And every day brings good news from the cancer front through new therapies, fewer and fewer side effects, increased chances of cure, and a growing awareness of the importance of prevention. 5 elements reviewed by the primary oncologist Bogdan Gozman – member of the European Society of Medical Oncology, – are essential in successfully detecting and treating cancer.
First, early detection is to be considered to increase the chances of healing. “Most cancers can be successfully treated if they are detected in the early stages. For example, in breast cancer, the detection and treatment of the disease in stage I means a 5-year survival of over 90-95%, while in stage III, it decreases to 50-60%, so it is a very big difference. “, He remarks doctor Bogdan Gozman.
Second, avoiding alternative treatments, which are not proven to be effective by scientific studies, is imperative. There is still a reluctance of patients to fear cancer treatments, insufficient information about the benefits and side effects, and all this makes them resort to “alternative treatments” which, unfortunately, are ineffective (according to the US Medicines Agency – FDA ) and have no scientific support “, adds the specialist.
A third essential condition to increase the chances of cure in cancer is the approach of each case by a complex team of specialists. “Currently, oncological treatments are extremely complex, there are many therapeutic options, often with close but not equal efficacy. My opinion is that the meeting of an oncology commission is mandatory for making the best decision for the patient and establishing the optimal therapeutic sequence “, adds Dr. Gozman.
A fourth important measure that can be crucial in the prevention and treatment of cancer is avoidance of risk factors. In fact, it is estimated that up to 50 percent of cancers can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. “There is an international consensus promoted by various world health organizations that avoiding smoking, alcohol, toxins, sedentary lifestyle and obesity, a balanced diet, hepatitis B vaccination and HPV reduce the risk of cancer,” the oncologist said. cancer.
And last but not least, the specialists remark development of state-of-the-art therapies which increase the degree of personalization of treatment and implicitly, that of success. The trend in oncology is to introduce modern drugs into the treatment of cancer, the so-called “molecular therapy”, very different in mechanism of action from classical cytostatics and often much more effective. We must also mention the great advances made in adjuvant chemotherapy medication that fights or attenuates side effects such as nausea, immune system depression, anemia, “concludes oncologist Bogdan Gozman.
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