We dread hearing about cancer, “the invisible stalker”, but doctors say with early detection, it can be beaten.
Worldwide, the growing incidences of cancer are rooted in two primary causes: the sedentary western lifestyle and overindulgence in processed foods, and chemicals in cleaning materials, you inhale. These can trigger cancerous cell mutations.
While it might seem almost impossible to understand exactly what might be the cause of cancer, it is, fortunately, becoming easier to diagnose and treat cancer, especially if it’s detected early on. Janssen Medical Affairs explain that the improvements in diagnostic technology may now more accurately identify the occurrence of cancer in more people.
There are five primary cancers in South Africa responsible for just over half the incidents of the disease, and contribute to the mortality rate as a result:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
There are easily accessible tests for each of these conditions which should be part of every health check-up, especially for people over 50 years old. It is imperative that as you get older, you go for health check-ups every six months, without fail.
There is also a genetic analysis test and family history to estimate the risk of diseases, including cancers, and a predisposition for certain cancers.
If a concern only arrives once symptoms surface, it may have been left too late. If cancer is discovered early, while it is localised, it can be removed. But if it spreads, its removal is difficult.
