The specialist named ways not to miss cancer at an early stage

On the day of World Cancer Day, Natalia Kharina, Director of Sberbank Medical Insurance, told Izvestia on February 4 how to properly plan preventive examinations so as not to miss cancer, and what help can be obtained when making a diagnosis.

According to her, oncological diseases can develop at any age, although the risk does increase over the years. Modern medicine can effectively treat many types of cancer, but early diagnosis remains a crucial factor. If the disease has been going on without symptoms for a long time, it is difficult to identify it, therefore regular comprehensive examinations are of particular importance.

"The most accessible and effective tool for the diagnosis of dangerous diseases, including oncology, today is medical examination according to compulsory medical insurance. You can take it for free according to the schedule: from 18 to 39 years — once every three years, and after 40 years — annually. The list of examinations takes into account gender, age and the main risk factors. Basic set: laboratory tests and instrumental examinations, including fluorography and electrocardiogram. The doctor evaluates their results and, if necessary, directs them to an in—depth medical examination stage with specialist consultations and additional examinations," the expert said.

Preparation for medical examination, as Kharina noted, does not require complicated actions: it is enough to have a passport, compulsory medical insurance policy and SNILS with you. The doctor will tell you in advance how to properly prepare for the tests — for example, donate blood on an empty stomach or temporarily give up intense exercise and bad habits.

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Comprehensive examinations are aimed not only at searching for oncological diseases, but also at identifying cardiovascular problems, diabetes, as well as risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, overweight and low physical activity.

A study by Sberbank Insurance showed that more than half of Russians regularly undergo checks, including through VMI programs. Women do this more often than men — 54% versus 48%. People over the age of 60 turned out to be the most disciplined, among whom 57% are examined according to the schedule. At the same time, cancer is often diagnosed in patients younger than 45 years old, in particular, leukemias, lymphomas, tumors of the brain, thyroid gland, cervix and breast, so prevention is important at any age.

Nevertheless, many people postpone a visit to the doctor. Almost a third of those who do not undergo checkups consider them unnecessary due to their well-being, and another 13% do not know where they can be examined for free. The psychological barrier also has an effect: people are afraid of painful procedures or a possible diagnosis, which often leads to seeking help in the later stages of the disease.

Meanwhile, regular checkups significantly increase the chances of recovery, Kharina noted. According to the Ministry of Health, some cancers detected at the first or second stage can be completely cured in 90% of cases. Treatment can be obtained free of charge at government clinics or with insurance. In the latter case, the insurance company helps to organize the process — from rechecking the diagnosis and selecting a medical center to paying for flights and accommodation in another region, and also provides a personal supervisor to support the patient.

The expert stressed that today Russians have all the opportunities for early detection of diseases: free medical examinations, modern technologies and insurance programs. Regular health care and the habit of undergoing preventive examinations can significantly increase the chances of a long and active life.

On January 29, Yulia Mikheeva, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Oncology and Antitumor Drug Therapy at the FSAU NMIC Medical and Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, spoke about modern cancer treatment technologies. According to her, in the 21st century, cancer treatment has shifted from universal schemes to a personalized approach based on the molecular and genetic characteristics of the tumor. Genetic tests make it possible to identify cancer vulnerabilities and use targeted drugs, which has already significantly improved the prognosis for a number of diseases, including breast and lung cancer.

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