16 November – World Cancer Prevention Day

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Europe, yet up to 40% of cases are preventable.

World Cancer Day is a good occasion to reiterate that proper prevention, early detection and access to quality care can save thousands of lives. The trend of cancer incidence in recent years shows a rapid increase. Women up to the age of 45 are more likely to get cancer than men, and the picture is reversed after that age. Bulgaria stands in an average position in terms of cancer incidence in the world.

According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death in Europe after cardiovascular disease. The main risk factors are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of fruit and vegetables in the diet, lack of physical activity, exposure to carcinogenic substances.

In every tumour there is a stage of so-called local (local) development when it has not metastasised. The curative effect at this stage is probably 100%. In advanced tumors, treatment is low cost and requires a large arsenal of treatment approaches with high cost. Therefore, the fight against cancer should focus on the detection and treatment of early stages of malignancy, their prevention and the so-called precancerous conditions (precancers).

How people can help themselves:

Make healthy lifestyle choices that include avoiding the use of tobacco products, getting plenty of physical activity, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol and staying safe in the sun. Know the signs and symptoms of cancer and guidelines for early detection because finding cancer often makes treatment easier. Share your own experiences with cancer, communicate with decision makers, and join support groups to help make a positive difference for all people affected by cancer.

Until the end of 2024, a tumor marker of your choice at a promotional price – 17 BGN.

• CEA

• CA 19-9

• CA 125

• AFP

A sampling fee is payable separately.