Not Fear Cancer, Fear Being Late
Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya, the Head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, issued warnings for cancer awareness.
Altınbaş University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya, provided information about studies on cancer. Özkaya stated that the most important aspect known today is that the end of every living cell is cancer and death. He mentioned that the age at which a person is prone to lung cancer or breast cancer is genetically encoded. Özkaya highlighted that despite advancements in science and technology, there is still no treatment method that can replace early diagnosis in cancer treatment.
Regarding cancer, Özkaya emphasized the importance of not fearing the disease but fearing being late. He stated that when cancer is caught in the early stages, it is a completely curable disease.
Özkaya praised the success of the Cancer Early Diagnosis Screening and Education Centers (KETEM) established by the Ministry of Health in cancer screenings.
He also mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed significantly to cancer awareness, leading to an increase in the number of patients seeking medical attention and undergoing radiological imaging, allowing for the early detection of many cases.
To reduce the risk of cancer, Prof. Dr. Özkaya emphasized avoiding factors that lower the age at which one is prone to cancer. Smoking and alcohol were identified as the most risky carcinogenic substances. Additionally, exposure to asbestos, sun, radon gas, chemical agents, and especially HPV infections in women can lower the age of developing cancer. Özkaya also warned about radon gas, which is a common environmental exposure, particularly in homes.
Radon gas, a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and radioactive gas, poses a risk of increasing lung cancer when inhaled above permitted levels. Özkaya highlighted that radon exposure is often underestimated and occurs in homes due to its presence in building materials. The natural uranium content in the soil where homes are built, the infiltration of radon from the ground into the home, and the release of radon from building materials are essential factors affecting exposure. He emphasized that radon levels in the air vary from region to region and country to country.
Especially in cold weather, heating homes can lead to increased radon levels indoors due to lower indoor pressure and higher outdoor pressure. Özkaya noted that the same situation is valid for windy weather, leading to increased radon levels indoors. In summer, well-ventilated workplaces and homes result in a decrease in radon levels. He expressed concern about the increasing cases of lung cancer, particularly in non-smoking women, and suggested that the effect of indoor radon gas should be investigated in all cases, especially among housewives.
In summary, Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya emphasized the importance of cancer awareness, early diagnosis through screenings, and avoiding factors that increase the risk of cancer, including environmental exposures like radon gas.