“It’s up to us to prevent 1/3 of cancers”
Oncology specialist Dr Abdallah Shbair stated that it is believed that by 2040 about 30 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, saying: “It is in our hands to prevent 1/3 of cancers. However, cancer is the second leading cause of death, both in our country and in the world. That is why it is very important to raise awareness of cancer in society.
“CANCER IS THE CAUSE OF EVERY 5 STARS IN OUR COUNTRY”
Claiming that 1 in 5 deaths in Turkey are caused by cancer, Uzm. Dr Abdallah Shbair said: “Cancer is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Cancer is the cause of 1 in 6 deaths in the world and 1 in 5 deaths in our country. It is predicted that about 30 million people will be diagnosed with cancer by 2040. Given the increasing prevalence of cancer, prevention or control of risk factors that cause cancer shows the importance of therapeutic applications.
“CANCER CAN EXCEED ANYONE WITHOUT SAYING YOUNG AND OLD”
Saying cancer can affect anyone, says Dr. Dr Shbair said: “Cancer can affect anyone, young or old. But aging is a risk factor for cancer development. The risk of cancer increases with age. Due to other health problems associated with aging, the cellular repair mechanism of the person become less effective, which is why aging is one of the most important factors for the development of cancer.
“30-50 PERCENT OF CANCER IS PREVENTABLE”
Shbair, who said it is possible to reduce cancer-related deaths by 1/3 through timely effective interventions to prevent risk factors, continued as follows:
“About 1 in 3 cancer deaths; It is caused by behavioral, environmental, and nutritional risk factors. Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, poor nutrition of fruits and vegetables, lack of exercise, exposure to the harmful effects of sunlight and alcohol use account for 1/3 of cancer deaths. Smoking alone is responsible for 22 percent of cancer deaths. Today, 30-50 percent of cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors. In addition, the chances of recovery are high if early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are established.
TAKE ACTIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER
Referring to the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer, Abdallah Shbair said: “The most important factor influencing the success of cancer treatment is early diagnosis. For this reason, an annual check-up is very important for the early diagnosis of not only cancer, but also many diseases. Regular exercise, healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and tobacco products, avoiding processed and ready-made foods, avoiding unnecessary drug use and unnecessary radiological examinations, limiting sugary and sweetened products, not staying in the sun for a long time, especially in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are effective and staying at a healthy weight, it can significantly reduce cancer burden,” he concluded.