Approximately 19 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year

Elazig Provincial Health Director Prof. Dr. Cahit Polat stated that approximately one in every 6 deaths globally is due to cancer. He said, “For our country, it is observed that one in every 5 deaths occurs due to cancer. Approximately 19 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, and 9.9 million people lose their lives due to cancer.”

Prof. Dr. Cahit Polat, the Health Director of Elazig, made statements on the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4. Prof. Dr. Polat, emphasizing that cancer ranks second in the list of deaths with known causes after heart and vascular diseases, stated, “The increasing frequency of cancer, along with its lethality, causes very heavy losses in the workforce and the country’s economy due to disabilities and the high costs of treatment. Looking at the causes of death, it is seen that approximately one in every 6 deaths worldwide and one in every 5 deaths in our country occurs due to cancer. Approximately 19 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, and 9.9 million people lose their lives due to cancer. If a similar trend continues, it is expected that 30 million new cases will emerge in 2040. The most common types of cancer are breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers. These types of cancer are also among the leading ones in our country. According to the Turkey Cancer Statistics Report, 211,273 people were diagnosed with cancer within a year. The incidence rate of cancer in men is higher than in women, and the frequency of occurrence increases with advanced age.”

Addressing cancer prevention and risk factors, Polat said, “Cancer primarily arises from five behavioral and nutrition-related risk factors: tobacco use, high weight and obesity, lack of fruit and vegetable consumption, inadequate nutrition, insufficient physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer development and is responsible for about 22% of cancer-related deaths. Known tobacco use is responsible for esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and cervical (cervix) cancers, and quitting tobacco use at any age makes a significant difference in a person’s quality and length of life. Proper cleaning of radiators is essential. Checking antifreeze degrees is a must. Antifreeze degrees should be kept stable between minus 25 and minus 30 degrees in Eskişehir, known for its cold weather, and supplemented for a comfortable winter. Air conditioners should work in summer and winter. When the air direction of the heater is set to all sides, the air conditioner automatically activates in most vehicles. When the radiator of the air conditioner cools down, moisture forms there. When using the air conditioner and staying at the destination for 5 or 10 minutes, turn it off to let the radiator dry. This way, we prevent the formation of bacteria in a wet and humid environment. If bacteria have already formed in the vehicle, we inject ozone gas for about an hour to ensure that the viruses die.”

Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in cancer, Polat said, “Our people do not see a doctor on time due to reasons such as fear and neglect, and thus, the diagnosis is delayed, making treatment difficult. Cancer should not be seen as an incurable disease. Screening for cancers such as breast and cervical cancer, which are treatable, is carried out not only for individuals with complaints but also for healthy individuals within a national program. Within this scope, our Directorate provides services to our people with the Healthy Life Center (SHM) Cancer Early Diagnosis Screening and Education Centers (KETEM), Family Health Centers (ASM), and the Mobile Cancer Screening Vehicle. We perform free mammography for women aged 40-69, cervical cancer screening for women aged 30-65, and colorectal cancer screening for women and men aged 50-70. We invite all citizens within the specified age group to our healthcare facilities to receive free cancer screenings.”