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Imagine discovering a silent, deadly threat lurking within you, all because you skipped a simple test.
Imagine waking up one day, feeling perfectly healthy, only to find out later that a silent killer has been lurking inside you for months or even years.
Scary thought, right?
Prevention is the KEY to early cancer detection.
Dr. Jana Katolická, Ph.D., head physician of the oncology-surgery department, emphasizes this crucial point in her recent article.
Here's why you should pay attention:
The Oncology-Surgery Department at the Faculty Hospital St. Anne in Brno examined more than 7,000 patients last year. It's a shocking revelation that cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly.
"We are increasingly encountering younger age groups," warns Dr. Katolická.
In addition to uncontrollable factors in the development of cancer, there are several aspects we CAN control.
To mark today's Czech Anti-Cancer Day, let’s look at what we can do to protect ourselves.
Early detection of cancer significantly raises the chances of complete recovery. State-organized screening programs in the Czech Republic target populations without clinical symptoms or issues related to cancer.
These programs have been in place for years, focusing on breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer. Breast cancer screenings are for women aged 45+ with mammograms every two years. Colorectal cancer screenings involve stool tests from ages 50-55 annually, and colonoscopies every ten years from age 50 onwards. Cervical cancer screenings are conducted for women aged 15+ annually through cytological examinations.
Recently, lung cancer screening has become available for individuals aged 55 to 74 who have smoked heavily for years. The goal is to catch early stages of lung cancer, thereby improving patient prognosis.
More information about these screenings can be found on the Czech Oncology Society's website, through your GP, or via your health insurance.
But what if you're not in the age categories covered by public health insurance?
You can still opt for self-paid screenings, typically costing between 5,000 - 9,000 CZK. These include a comprehensive personal and family history analysis, physical exams, blood tests (including tumor markers), X-rays, and ultrasound examinations of the abdomen and pelvis. This form of preventive examination is also available at our facility for VZP insurance holders, although currently paused due to staffing issues.
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Does screening make sense for younger people?
Absolutely. Cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly. We currently treat patients as young as 29 with metastatic colorectal cancer and a 38-year-old man with multiple metastatic bone involvement from prostate cancer. Typically, prostate cancer is more common in men over 65.
How can younger people ensure they don’t neglect prevention?
Family doctors and pediatricians play a pivotal role in preventive programs for young people. These programs include well-defined protocols for preventive check-ups at different age stages. High-quality and thorough examinations can help detect cancer even in its early stages.
Moreover, HPV vaccination is vital. Vaccines are available for both girls and boys from age 9. For 13-year-olds, one of the available vaccines is fully covered by health insurance, with others requiring a co-payment. Since January 1, 2022, health insurance also covers vaccination for individuals over 14 with specific health conditions that delayed earlier vaccination.
Our department specializes in treating gastrointestinal and urological malignancies. Despite growing information about cancer-inducing factors, we lack comprehensive knowledge about their origins. Nevertheless, eliminating risk factors can significantly reduce the probability of cancer development.
Focus on primary prevention and health promotion:
Don’t smoke. Maintain a smoke-free home and workplace. Eat healthily. Keep a healthy weight. Stay physically active. Limit your sitting time. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Get vaccinated against HPV. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid hormone treatments. Minimize stress. Protect yourself from carcinogenic substances. Participate in screening programs.
Knowledge of your family history is essential too. For instance, genetic testing is critical for men with prostate cancer in their family. If you have a direct relative with prostate cancer, your risk doubles. With multiple relatives, the risk increases up to 11 times.
In 2021, we initiated a collaboration with the Dermatovenerology Clinic of FNUSA and LF MU, enhancing multidisciplinary care for patients with skin cancer. The commission for non-melanoma skin cancers, led by Professor Hana Jedli?ková, focuses on patients with spinocellular and basal cell carcinoma, providing a team-based approach to treatment.
We’ve also recently established a palliative oncology clinic, dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients in advanced or terminal stages of cancer, ensuring they receive comprehensive symptom management and family support.
Early detection can save lives.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late.
Share this post to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health.
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