Can you prevent cancer?
The prevention of any disease begins with the changing of attitudes in everyday life and a balanced diet. One great suggestion is a colorful dish, including cereals, vegetables and proteins, minimizing fats. Ruling out risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol, is essential to our health. Physical activity and regular visits to the doctor are also valuable tips.
It could be said that many cancers are preventable. But in many cases the most important thing is early detection so that treatment is more effective.
For women, certain procedures are essential to healthcare and the prevention or early detection of some cancers. After the first period, an annual visit to a gynecologist is recommended. This is the specialist who will make a full evaluation of your gynecological health and shall, after the beginning of sexual activity, carry out a Papanicolaou test, which helps in the prevention of cervical cancer.
Every month women should examine their breasts which, although not a diagnostic method, helps in one's knowledge of one's own body and in the perception of changes. After 18 years of age, women should contact a breast cancer specialist, who will perform a clinical breast examination and ask for an ultrasound, a procedure that should be carried out annually. After 40 years of age, the breast cancer specialist will include a mammogram in this routine, which is the main form of early breast cancer detection.
The most common type of cancer in men is prostate cancer. This is why monitoring by a urologist after 40 years of age is essential in order to detect the disease early and treat it effectively.
There are two primary tests for monitoring the health of the prostate: the PSA, and digital exam of the prostate.
The PSA test (an abbreviation for Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein produced exclusively by the prostate and which works as a blood marker in the detection of prostate cancer since its amount usually changes when the disease is present. However, this does not replace the digital rectal examination of the prostrate because in 20% of tumors the PSA level does not change.
The digital rectal examination of the prostate is the most effective method for early detection of changes and tumors. So that the doctor can assess the size and consistency of the prostate, the rectum is the only natural means of access.
If any hardened palpable nodule is detected during the digital examination, or if the PSA is changed, a biopsy is necessary.
The most important thing is to leave prejudice aside, to have routine medical check-ups and always pay attention to your health.
