The incidence of cancer has increased considerably in recent years and has made the disease a public health problem. According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), more than 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year. This number, however, could be reduced by up to half by adopting a healthier lifestyle and carrying out routine screening tests – many of which are capable of detecting pre-cancerous conditions.
According to Dr. Lucíola Pontes, oncologist and medical leader at the Hcor Oncology and Hematology Care Center, a healthy lifestyle improves all areas of the body and delays the development of various diseases. “Eating balanced foods, not drinking too much alcohol, exercising and not smoking are just a few points that can help delay the onset of cancer in general and vascular diseases,” she explains.
Another way to take care of your health is by carrying out preventive and routine exams, which are important on two fronts in the fight against the disease – some with the ability to screen for pre-cancerous conditions and others essential for the early detection of the condition, enabling simpler and more effective therapies. , with a significant increase in the chances of cure.
“It is essential that the individual seeks medical advice to assess the need for annual screening check-ups, generally from the age of 40 onwards. For individuals with cases of cancer in the family, it is recommended to start earlier. Early diagnosis is essential and greatly helps with the chances of a cure”, says Dr. Lucíola.
The oncologist also reinforces the need to listen to the signals that the body gives. “Sometimes, it’s a pain that doesn’t go away, a spot that doesn’t go away, so it’s very important to find out as quickly as possible to rule out the possibility of cancer. Young people also need to take care of themselves and be more careful with the lifestyle they adopt, as the incidence in this group has been growing considerably.”
Even though medicine is advancing regularly and specific care centers are being created for each type of cancer, many people still die because they discover the disease in advanced stages.
To increase the population’s access to prevention programs, a Bill (National Cancer Prevention and Control Policy) was recently approved, which aims to reduce the incidence, contribute to improving the patient’s quality of life, reduce mortality and ensure access to comprehensive care. “Therefore, it is very important to control risk factors and maintain good health. Only with prevention will it be possible to see the number of cases fall”, he concludes.