Early detection of 220 cancers in Isfahan; Fear of detection robs life of opportunity

Isfahan- The breast cancer screening of 530,000 Isfahans detected 220 cancers in the testicles during the month of this year, while many citizens miss the golden time of treatment due to the fear of diagnosis.

Arjan Ambassador of the Provinces Group - Marjan Saifuddin: Experts emphasize that breast cancer can be treated in many cases if diagnosed early. However, fear of diagnosis, ignoring warning signs and taking refuge in non-scientific recommendations are still serious obstacles to dealing with this disease.

Coinciding with October, World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign “No One Is Alone; "Together Against Cancer" in Isfahan emphasizes the need for awareness, early diagnosis and companionship with patients.

According to the provincial officials, since the beginning of October last year, about 530,000 people have been screened in the two areas of breast and colon cancer, and during this program, 220 cases of cancer have been identified in the early stages. Diagnoses that can help increase the chances of treatment and reduce the costs and complications of the disease.

When denial of illness takes time

Pouria Adeli, an oncology radiotherapy specialist, said in a conversation with Mehr reporter: One of the serious problems in the country is the fear of diagnosis. Some people don't go to the doctor for fear of hearing bad news, some take refuge in traditional treatments and non-scientific advice, and some think that if they don't talk about the disease, the disease won't exist.

He emphasized: Ignoring the disease does not eliminate it, but only takes time from the patient; While time has a critical value in breast cancer and delay in diagnosis can affect the stage of the disease, the type of treatment and the chances of recovery.

Stating that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Isfahan province, Adeli added: In terms of the incidence of cancer, this province is among the regions with high incidence rates in the country, and in such a situation, increasing public awareness, early diagnosis and access to specialized services become especially important.

Pointing out that cancer masses in the early stages may be painless and even without clear symptoms, this expert clarified: the absence of pain does not mean that the mass is insignificant. By the way, identifying the disease in the early stages provides a better opportunity for treatment and can increase the chances of complete treatment, breast preservation, reducing the need for heavy treatments and improving the quality of life.

Take mammography and warning signs seriously

Adeli considered mammography as one of the important tools for early diagnosis of breast cancer and said: the start time and interval of repeating this examination should be determined according to age, family history and individual risk level and in consultation with the doctor. What is important is not to postpone necessary examinations and take medical advice seriously.

He added: Touching the mass, indentation of the skin or nipple, abnormal secretions, change in shape or color, and the formation of sores in the breast area are among the warning signs that should not be ignored, and seeing any of them requires seeing a doctor.

Referring to the fact that the age of breast cancer in Iranian women is lower than the average of many western countries, this expert pointed out: this disease is not exclusive to elderly women and younger women should also be aware of the changes in their bodies; An issue that does not mean permanent concern, but a sign of responsibility towards health.

According to him, a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and maintaining a proper weight, especially after menopause, can be effective in reducing the risk of infection; However, breast cancer is not only the result of lifestyle and factors such as age, genetics, family history and some hormonal conditions also play a role in its occurrence. Therefore, suffering from this disease should not be a reason for blaming the patient or feeling guilty.

Individualized treatment ends with a single prescription for all

Referring to the advances in breast cancer treatment, Adeli said: There are different types of this disease and the same treatment prescription cannot be considered for all patients. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the disease, the pathological features of the tumor, the status of hormone receptors, the status of HER2, the indicators of cell proliferation and, in necessary cases, the results of molecular and genetic tests.

He added: Based on this, treatments such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, immunotherapy and radiation therapy are selected according to the conditions of each patient and with team and multispecialty decision making. The development of new drugs and new treatment methods has also helped to improve the life expectancy and quality of life of patients.

This radiotherapy oncology specialist emphasized: Isfahan, as one of the centers of treatment in the central region of the country, has appropriate specialized capacities for cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment; But even the most advanced treatment methods cannot completely reduce the burden of the disease without expanding public awareness, early diagnosis and equitable access to specialized services.

He also considered it important to support the family, talk about the disease and encourage people to visit on time and said: if someone is dealing with cancer, instead of judging, you should be with him and if someone is worried about his health, he should not hide his concern. Rather, he should act to check it.

Screening of 530 thousand people in Isfahan

Referring to the results of the screening programs, the head of Isfahan Province Health Center said: Since the beginning of October last year, about 530,000 people have been screened in two fields of breast and colon cancer, of which about 370,000 people have been examined in the field of breast cancer and 170,000 people in the field of colon cancer.

In a conversation with Mehr reporter, Hamid Golehdari added: During this program, many of the identified people did not know about their disease and early diagnosis can prevent the disease from being identified in more advanced stages and incurring more costs and complications.

According to the head of Isfahan Health Center, between 11,000 and 12,000 new cases of cancer are registered in this province every year, and skin, breast and colon cancers are common cancers. The screening program of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences started in 2016 and the current goal is to screen about 2.5 million people in two years.

Emphasizing the economic and social effects of early diagnosis, he said: the cost of implementing new screening programs this year is estimated to be over one thousand billion tomans, but the cost of cancer treatment in advanced stages will be much higher. In addition to economic savings, timely diagnosis can increase the life expectancy of patients and reduce emotional and psychological damage to the patient and family.

The challenge of access to diagnostic services and the necessity of accompanying insurances

Referring to the limitations in the second level of screening, especially in the field of mammography and colonoscopy, the head of the health center of Isfahan province said: initial measures are carried out in comprehensive health service centers, bases and health homes, but the development of specialized diagnostic procedures requires the cooperation of executive bodies, industries and insurances.

Golehdari added: Despite the removal of the limitation of mammography coverage in health insurance in the public sector, there are still limitations in the private sector and social security insurance, which are being pursued at the provincial level.

According to him, if this project is successful in Isfahan, it will be possible to use the capacity of steel industries and companies to implement similar programs in other provinces.

In the end, the head of the health center of Isfahan province emphasized the necessity of the operational participation of basic and supplementary insurances and noted: in addition to preserving health, early diagnosis reduces the heavy costs of treatment in advanced stages, and the support of insurances can play a decisive role in realizing the goal of screening 2.5 million people in two years.

The main message of the "No one is alone" campaign is clear; Fear of hearing the diagnosis should not become an obstacle to treatment. Awareness, attention to warning signs, timely referral and access to diagnostic and treatment services are the main links in dealing with breast cancer; Because sometimes what threatens the chance of life more than the disease itself is the delay in diagnosis.