Early Detection and Prevention

Despite the progress in existing treatments for cancer, chances of survival are low once the tumor has begun to spread. In many cases, early detection of the illness and early treatment enable prevention and even a complete cure.

Most malignancies can be prevented by avoiding environmental risk factors such as smoking, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, overweight and poor nutrition. Of course, we cannot control factors such as age, origin, gender and family history, but information about risk factors and risk levels make it possible to guide us in choosing the kind of supervision that is suitable for us, and adopting healthy living habits.

In most cases, there are three risk levels for contracting the illness – an average risk level, which is similar to the risk in the population, an elevated risk level, which is slightly higher than the risk in the population, and a high risk level. The definition and classification into the different risk levels is made according to a mix of a large amount of data, including – complaints or suspicious signs, medical history, family history, exposure history, genetics, living habits, origin and age. The personal recommendations for suitable supervision are guided by the risk level of the applicant.

Not in all cases and not for all malignancies are there predictive tests or tests that enable early detection that has been proven effective, but in cases where medical knowledge can be used for prevention, it is highly recommended to do so.

Further information can be found under the link Center for Cancer Genetics (Oncogenetics), or by consulting Michele, the clinic nurse.

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Early Detection of Cancer Diseases