More than a third Cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and reducing known risk factors. At the same time, screening can detect many types of cancer before symptoms appear or at an early stage, which increases the effectiveness of their treatment.
This is important information, as millions of people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and a significant proportion of cases are related to factors that can be influenced. In Ukraine, more than 100 thousand new cases of cancer are detected every year: according to the latest data from the National Cancer Registry, 111,247 new cases of malignant neoplasms were registered in 2024, and more than 1.1 million patients were registered as of the end of the year.
We tell you what affects the risk of developing cancer and what steps really help protect yourself.
What causes cancer?
Cancer occurs when individual cells in the body, due to genetic changes, begin to multiply uncontrollably, penetrate neighboring tissues and spread throughout the body. The risk of cancer increases with age - this is due to the accumulation of harmful factors throughout life and the gradual weakening of cellular self-renewal mechanisms.
Main risk factors
Significant risk factors for the development of cancer and other non-communicable diseases are smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, polluted air, ultraviolet radiation (from the sun or tanning beds) and other environmental factors, and occupational risk factors.
Some chronic infections can also cause cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C viruses increase the risk of liver cancer. Bacterial infections Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus are key biological factors that provoke the development of stomach cancer.
How screening and early diagnosis can save lives
The earlier cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment, the lower its cost, and the fewer side effects on health. According to operative data According to the National Cancer Registry, in 2024, among the first detected cases, 19.61% were stage III, and 22.81% were stage IV. At the same time, some tumors develop for a long time without pronounced symptoms, which is why regular examinations are so important.
There are two approaches to early detection:
- screening — examination of people without symptoms to detect the most common cancers at an early stage;
- early diagnosis — examination of people who have already developed symptoms.
Ministry of Health of Ukraine recommends the following screening examinations:
- for cervical cancer — PAP or PCR test:
- women aged 30–55 years once every 10 years;
- women over 25 years old living with HIV - once every 5 years;
- women aged 21–35 with symptoms or risk factors - immediately;
- for breast cancer — mammography every 2 years:
- from 50 years old - for all women;
- from 40 years of age - for women from risk groups;
- for colorectal cancer — stool test for occult blood or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every 2 years for women and men over 50 years of age.
What symptoms to look out for
When dealing with cancer, avoid extremes: excessive fear and complete neglect. Consult your family doctor if you notice:
- unusual lumps or tumors anywhere on the body;
- sudden weight loss for no apparent reason;
- changes in the shape or color of moles;
- prolonged cough or hoarseness;
- unusual bleeding or discharge.
The doctor will assess the symptoms and, if necessary, refer you for additional free examinations: X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, laboratory diagnostics.
How to reduce the risk of developing cancer
Following simple recommendations significantly reduces the impact of factors that contribute to the development of many types of cancer:
- eat a balanced diet — less red and processed meat, more fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains;
- be physically active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle; a sedentary lifestyle;
- give up tobacco and alcohol consumption;
- take care of getting enough sleep;
- protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation — avoid tanning in a solarium, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, use sunscreen with SPF 30+;
- get vaccinated against HPV — in Ukraine, girls aged 12–13 are vaccinated free of charge;
- get vaccinated against hepatitis B virus — for the prevention of liver cancer.
Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine