Bulgaria is the only country in the European Union where cancer mortality is increasing. The main reason for this negative trend is the lack of prevention and screening programs, which lead to late diagnosis of diseases and, consequently, to a poor outcome. We talk to a medical coordinator at the Health Information Center "Medical Karaj" about treatment options for cancer abroad...
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What are the most common cancers in Bulgaria?
The five most common cancers in men and women in Bulgaria at the moment are breast, cervical, prostate, colon and lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading cancers in terms of mortality not only in the country but also worldwide. Breast cancer occurs predominantly in women and internationally affects one in eight women.
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Why is it important to detect cancer early?
Nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Early diagnosis of cancer is extremely important. It detects even the smallest changes in tissues - at a time when they are not yet causing any complaints. In the initial stage, small and limited tumour growths can in most cases be cured completely successfully. Cancer prevention and screening are extremely important. Early detection of breast cancer for example has a 99% survival rate. And if the disease is detected at a later stage, this figure drops to 28%. Similarly, if colorectal cancer is detected early and at an advanced stage, the survival rates are 91% and 14%, respectively.
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How are diseases diagnosed in oncology?
Diagnosis of cancer is made by imaging studies- MRI, PET scan, scanner, ultrasound, mammography, X-ray, etc. Imaging studies detect the tumor and determine its size. Then a biopsy is necessarily taken-if possible-and the type and stage of the tumor is determined. In some cancers, there are also tumor markers that help make and confirm the diagnosis.
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These tests can also be done for prevention, right? In which cases are they recommended?
Yes, these examinations can be performed in patients who want to have a preventive examination to be reassured about their health. They can be done to 'check' for patients who have no symptoms, and especially for those who are at risk of developing cancer. They can be applied to people who have a family history or genetic risk of cancer.
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Sometimes, cancer can develop without warning. But in the vast majority of cases, there are warning signs.
Yes, it is. Some of the signs to look out for are, for example, weight loss-as cancer cells attack healthy ones, the body may respond by losing weight-many people unexpectedly lose 10 pounds or more before a cancer diagnosis. In fact, this may be the first sign of cancer. People who have cancer often have fever as a symptom. It is usually a sign that the cancer has spread or that it is in an advanced stage. Some cancers can also cause abnormal bleeding. For example, colon or rectal cancer can cause bloody stools, while blood in the urine can be a symptom of prostate or bladder cancer. Unexplained fatigue can be another symptom of cancer. This is actually one of the most common symptoms...
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How are cancers treated?
Cancer treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as some newer techniques such as interventional radiology and immunotherapy. Hormone therapy may be applied, also target therapy and other innovative methods.
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How is the best treatment for the patient determined?
Determining the stage and grade of the cancer allows specialists to prescribe the best treatment plan for each patient. An individual approach is extremely important in cancer treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is also very important, where the most effective solutions are obtained for the patient.
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What can the Health Information Center "Medical Karadži" offer to patients with cancer?
"Medical Carragee offers cancer patients the most advanced and innovative treatments at some of the best cancer centers in the world. All patients who approach us receive a free consultation with some of the best specialists in the treatment of their specific cancer disease. This way they can find out if they are on the right track in their treatment or if there are other more effective and advanced treatment methods. For us, an informed patient is the best patient because they have already gone at least 10 % of their healing journey...
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What advice would you give to all patients who have cancer?
The most important thing for cancer patients is not to accept cancer as a sentence. Cancer is simply a diagnosis and there are multiple, proven effective treatments. In just a few decades, there are already treatment options that can increase the length and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Cancer may simply become a chronic disease.
