As the threat of cancer rises on a global scale a great deal of progress is also made in its treatment. We spoke to Anadolu Medical Centre Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Haluk Onat on cancer and the developments in its treatment.
What do you think is behind the significant rise in cancer patients in recent years?
Although seen at any age cancer is predominantly an illness of middle aged and elderly people. The chance of getting cancer rises, as you get older. Therefore it would not be wrong to say that the rise in aging population is one of the main reasons for an increase in cancer frequency. Other predominant reasons triggering the development of cancer are smoking, eating habits, food additives and air pollution caused by industrial activity.
Parallel to this increase, is it possible to mention of a change in the profile, age, gender or socioeconomic status of cancer patients?
There is a difference in cancer frequency between developed and underdeveloped countries. Some cancer types seen frequently in developed countries are almost non-existent in underdeveloped nations. We can mention of the same phenomena in reverse. Cancers in underdeveloped countries are generally infection related with most common types including liver, lymph and cervical cancer. These types of cancers are less frequent in developed countries. The frequency of cancer is on the rise in developed countries and according to projections the number of cancer patients will escalate even more in both developed and developing parts of the world. The foremost reason behind this trend is deterioration in air quality due to intensifying industrial activity, the Westernisation of eating habits coupled with a surge in the consumption of foods containing preservatives and smoking.
What measures can be taken?
The most significant measure is to stop smoking. Science has developed vaccinations for certain types of cancer. The ones that come to mind immediately are HPV vaccination against cervical cancer and hepatitis vaccination against liver cancers. I believe getting vaccinated plays an important role in the fight against cancer. The third factor is improving lifestyle. That is the food we eat, the environment we live in and protection from air pollution and industrial wastes.
Another issue dominating the global agenda is agricultural pesticides. Pesticides rank high in the list of cancer threats. Minimising or intensely policing the use of pesticides can contribute to fewer cancer cases.
What are the recent developments in cancer treatment methods?
A lot of progress has been made in early diagnosis and treatment methods of cancer together with technological development, a rise in physicians’ know-how and experience and more self-conscious patients. Getting periodical check-ups raise the chance of early diagnosis and timely treatment even if people develop cancer. Regular mammography for women, prostate examinations for men, checking for latent blood in faeces and frequent gynaecological examinations all increase the chances of diagnosing related forms of cancer at an early stage. Early diagnosed cancers are generally ones that can be treated. Early diagnosis is probably the most important step in the fight against cancer.
Meanwhile we see a great deal of development in medication treatment for the advanced stages of cancer. Our objective for advanced stage cancer patients is to make it possible for the patient to live with the illness. In recent years we have seen the introduction of medication that prevents the patient’s death allowing a life of decent quality. We term these “target oriented medications”. The number of medication that inhibits the development of cancer is growing every day. Such medication has allowed longer years for the patient regardless of the illness. Although not as pronounced as chemotherapy drugs, this sort of medication also has some side effects unique to itself.
Compared to the past, is there a difference in the rate of healing?
The capability to treat several forms of cancer by early diagnosis has nowadays reduced the number of cancer related deaths to a certain extent. The frequency of encountering cancer is rising however, on the same note, cancer related deaths are falling. Probably the best example is a decrease in smoking related lung cancer deaths. A fall in smoking rates has reduced the frequency of lung cancer cases. Similarly early diagnosis of prostate, breast and colon cancer has reduced the rate of related deaths. Another improvement is the lowered rate of treatment method related deaths. Breast cancer is a good case point for this. Treating the illness in the early stages and prolonging life expectancy has reduced related deaths. Cancer related deaths will continue to fall in the years to come.
Which patients have a higher chance recovery?
There is tremendous headway in treating cancers seen amongst infants. For instance lymph cancer encountered at a young age. Today we are able to treat cancers like testicle tumours. Similarly the last decade has seen immense progress in treating cancers seen amongst middle age and elderly people such as lung, breast, colon and kidney cancers.
