Oncological diseases in the early stages often proceed almost unnoticed. Doctors remind us: the absence of pain does not mean the absence of disease, and timely examinations can save lives.
Cancer can be asymptomatic for a long time. What signs do doctors advise to pay attention to?
On World Cancer Day, specialists from the Republican Center for Health Promotion and Mass Communication remind us: the absence of pain does not mean the absence of disease. Regular preventive examinations can save lives.
Oncological diseases (cancer) are a group of diseases in which malignant tumors form in the body.
Doctors emphasize that they develop gradually and often do not have pronounced symptoms in the early stages.
"The main danger of oncological diseases lies in their late detection. When the disease is detected at an early stage, effective treatment and complete recovery are possible," the center noted.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases in older men.
The disease develops gradually and often remains asymptomatic in the early stages.
Possible early changes:
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frequent urination, especially at night;
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weakened urine stream;
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feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Early diagnosis aims to detect the disease before pronounced symptoms appear. The main methods include preventive examinations by a urologist, blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and additional examinations as indicated by the doctor.
Men over 50 are advised to undergo preventive examinations at least once a year.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, sufficient physical activity, and a balanced diet contribute to reducing the risk of developing the disease.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a malignant disease that develops gradually and can remain asymptomatic for a long time.
Possible early manifestations:
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unusual discharge;
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bloody discharge outside of menstruation;
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contact bleeding;
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discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Early diagnosis of cervical cancer allows for the detection of changes at the earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
Regular gynecological examinations, cytological smears (Pap tests), and testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) play an important role.
Timely vaccination against HPV also helps reduce the risk of the disease.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a malignant disease of the stomach lining.
In the early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic or manifest with minor and nonspecific signs.
Attention should be paid to:
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loss of appetite;
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feeling of heaviness after eating;
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early satiety;
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heartburn, belching;
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general weakness.
Early diagnosis aims to timely detect changes in the stomach lining and prevent the development of complications.
Timely treatment of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and other stomach diseases, including those related to Helicobacter pylori infection, as well as regular monitoring by a doctor, play an important role.
Following principles of rational nutrition, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol contribute to reducing the risk of stomach diseases.
Gastroscopy is performed as recommended by a doctor.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a malignant disease of the respiratory system, often associated with exposure to harmful environmental factors.
In the early stages, the disease may not have pronounced symptoms.
Possible early signs:
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persistent cough;
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shortness of breath with usual physical activity;
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increased fatigue;
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frequent respiratory infections.
Early diagnosis of lung cancer allows for the detection of the disease at early stages when treatment is most effective.
Regular preventive examinations, including fluorography, are of great importance.
Complete cessation of smoking, adherence to safety measures when working with harmful substances, and timely consultation with a doctor for a cough lasting more than three weeks contribute to reducing the risk of developing the disease.
Important to Remember
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Regular preventive examinations help detect cancer in a timely manner;
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a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of its development;
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early diagnosis saves lives.
Specialists emphasize that many types of cancer can be effectively treated when detected early, writes bb.lv. That is why it is important not to ignore even minor changes in well-being, to undergo regular preventive examinations, and to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
