In Romania, cancer remains one of the main causes of death, with an increasing incidence among the population. According to the recent data of the World Health Organization and of the National Institute of Public Health, the most common types of cancer are breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer.
Pulmonary cancer is the type of cancer with the largest mortality in Romania Photo: Archive
According to the latest Globocan 2023 report, over 98,000 new cases of cancer were reported in Romania and about 54,000 deaths caused by this disease.
The most common forms are breast cancer (about 12,000 new cases annually), colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, which significantly reduces the chances of survival.
Breast cancer. What are the risk factors and how can it be prevented?
“Breast cancer especially affects women, but can also occur in men, although rarer. Risk factors include family or ovarian cancer history, old age and hormonal factors, such as early menopa or late menopause. Also, obesity, alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity increase the risk of disease development ”, explained to “Truth”conf. Univ. dr. Alexandru Nechifor.
The prevention begins, says the doctor, with the self -examination of the breasts, which should be done monthly, and continues with regular mammograms, starting at the age of 40.
Breast self -examination is required, I argue with Photo doctors: Archive
“The adoption of a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, plays an essential role. A study published in 2023 in the European Journal of Cancer shows that early detection through regular ultrasounds and mammograms reduces mortality by up to 30%”says Dr. Nechifor.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Romania. The risk increases with age, especially after 50 years, but food habits also play an important role.
“A diet rich in red and processed meat, a low intake of fiber, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol and smoking are important risk factors.”says Dr. Alexandru Nechifor, specialist in internal medicine.
A chaotic diet can lead to Colorectal Cancer Photo: Archive
For prevention, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with regular physical activity, is essential.
“Also, colonoscopy screening is a crucial measure, recommended starting with the age of 50 or even earlier for people at high risk. Data from EU 2023 cancer report shows that the implementation of screening programs reduces incidence and mortality by colorectal cancer by up to 60%”said the doctor Alexandru Nechifor.
Pulmonary cancer has the highest mortality rate
Pulmonary cancer is the type of cancer with the largest mortality in Romania, with over 11,000 deaths annually. The main risk factor is smoking, responsible for over 85% of cases. In addition to smoking, exposure to radon, asbestos, other toxic substances and air pollution contribute to increased risk.
“Prevention begins with quitting smoking, which remains the most effective measure. It is also important to avoid exposure to passive smoking, as well as to carcinogens at work. For people at high risk, such as smokers or former smokers between the ages of 45 and 80, it is recommended to screen through computer computed tomography. A recent study in The Lancet Oncology (2024) shows that annual screening in high -risk people can reduce mortality by 20%”says Dr. Nechifor.
Accordingly, “Cancer is not a final sentence, If detected in time”, Says the doctor Alexandru Nechifor.
“Prevention, awareness and access to screening programs are essential to save lives. It is important for people to be proactive in terms of their health, to go to regular checks and to adopt a healthy lifestyle. My message is simple:
