Internal Medicine 3 – Hematology and Internal Oncology – Carry out early detection examinations despite Corona

After cardiovascular diseases, cancer is one of the most common causes of death in Austria and the number of new cases is increasing: around 40,000 people in this country receive the serious diagnosis of cancer every year. Due to the corona pandemic, many people have given up important appointments for early detection examinations in recent months. The state of Upper Austria and the Upper Austrian hospitals call on all providers not to neglect these possibly life-saving examinations.

The most common types of cancer in Austria include prostate, breast and colon cancer. With early diagnosis, there is a significantly better chance of recovery, since the tumors are still small and limited. “We are very concerned about the declining number of early detection examinations. Delayed diagnoses result in an advanced clinical picture and, associated with this, more difficult treatability and a poorer prognosis. Regular screening can detect cancer at an early stage, when no further symptoms are present but the chances of recovery are far betterd”, says Univ.-Prof. dr Clemens Schmitt, Head of the University Clinic for Hematology and Internal Oncology at the Kepler University Clinic.

Early detection as a key survival factor

From a certain age, regular check-ups should be carried out for the following types of cancer: breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer. Contact persons for this are primarily the responsible medical specialists in the private sector.

Don’t ignore, react

But not only early detection can save lives. Many oncological diseases express themselves through diffuse or unspecific symptoms. Fever, night sweats, weight loss, diarrhea, persistent pain, severe tiredness or exhaustion can be the first signs of cancer. If the symptoms last longer than two weeks, they should definitely be clarified by the family doctor.

Cancer therapy under the highest safety precautions

People with cancer are among those groups for whom a corona infection represents an increased risk. However, under no circumstances should therapies be suspended or postponed without consulting the doctor treating you, as tumors may continue to grow or form metastases. All clinics have comprehensive safety and hygiene concepts, so the risk of corona infection is kept extremely low. “We can carry out the necessary therapies and follow-up appointments despite the particular stress caused by Corona. This requires great effort, but care is guaranteed, especially in cancer medicine“, physicians emphatically appeal to the patients to keep important appointments.

First aid for complaints

In the event of health problems, the family doctor is the first person to contact. Outside the opening hours, the trained specialists on the health number 1450 will help. Also the website www.wobinichrichtig.at provides information about the right contact point in the healthcare system.

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