General Surgery specialist Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Sarıyar said, “The reasons why cancer has become so widespread include increasing stress, tobacco and alcohol consumption, wrong nutrition, processed foods, and air pollution brought about by industrialization. It is known that cancer cases, especially in those under the age of 50, have increased in the last 30 years. “For this reason, the fight against cancer is of great importance for the mass group also known as Generation Z.” General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. stated that the way to fight cancer is through conscious nutrition and screening programs. Dr. Ozan Akıncı said, “Cancer cases under the age of 50 have increased even more in the last 30 years. According to the data of the World Health Organization, the rate of cancer cases under the age of 50 in our country is 66 percent. “Considering this serious rate, Generation Z’s fight against cancer becomes even more important,” he said.
A 7 PERCENT INCREASE IS EXPECTED
According to the report published this year by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO), 20 million new cancer cases will be seen in 2022, and it is estimated that these figures will increase with irregular nutrition, use of tobacco products, inactivity and stress. While it is predicted that there will be more than 35 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2050, a 77 percent increase is expected compared to the estimated 20 million cases in 2022. Prof. from the Department of General Surgery. Dr. Muzaffer Sarıyar and Assoc. Dr. Ozan Akıncı gave important information about cancer prevention during National Cancer Week, April 1-7.
“THE FREQUENCY OF CANCER IS ALSO COMMON AMONG YOUTH”
Prof. from the Department of General Surgery. Dr. Muzaffer Sarıyar pointed out that proper and conscious nutrition, exercise, staying away from stress and stopping the use of tobacco products are important in the fight against cancer and said, “In today’s world, life expectancy has increased. Individuals aged 65-70 are now in the middle age group. As life expectancy increases and today’s screening methods improve, cancer incidence rates are increasing. However, the incidence of cancer is increasing not only in middle and older age individuals but also among young people. “Unbalanced and unhealthy diet, use of tobacco products, inactivity, obesity, not consuming natural products, air pollution, technology addiction, and increased stress due to modern life also play a role in cancer,” he said.
“MEDITERRANEAN DIET IS THE MOST SUITABLE TYPE OF NUTRITION FOR THE BODY”
Stating that nutrition is especially important in reducing the risk of cancer, Prof. Dr. Sarıyar said, “The main energy source of all cells in the body, including cancer cells, is sugar. In other words, sugar is essential for cells to maintain their basic functions. There are cancer cells in every body. However, because cancerous cells grow and multiply rapidly, they use more sugar than normal cells. In addition, fatness and obesity caused by excessive sugar consumption also trigger cancer. For this reason, sugar should be consumed in a balanced amount in the diet, and sugar needs should be met from fruits and vegetables in a portion-controlled manner. In addition, natural nutrition is important. The Mediterranean diet is the most suitable type of nutrition for the body. Olive oil should be consumed instead of trans fats. Vegetables should be cooked using healthy methods such as boiling, baking and steaming. Fish should be consumed at least 2-3 times a week and fried foods should not be consumed. If you are going to eat red meat, barbecue and frying methods should not be preferred. Canned foods should be avoided. “Vegetables and fruits should also be consumed in season,” he said.
“TREATMENTS MUST BE PLANNED WITH THE COUNCIL”
Stating that there are many treatment methods for cancer, Prof. Dr. Sarıyar said, “Treatments are carried out with developments in the fields of surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology. Cancer treatment generally includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, medications, surgical methods, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and some lifestyle changes to kill cancer cells. Treatments should be planned in full-fledged centers with established councils. “In recent years, interventional radiology methods have also been used in treatments,” he said.
“HEAT CHEMOTHERAPY IS ALSO USED IN THE TREATMENT”
Prof. Dr. Reminding that there is an opinion that cancers that have spread into the abdomen cannot be treated until the near future, Muzaffer Sarıyar said that cytoreductive surgery and heated intra-abdominal chemotherapy methods have taken their place as alternative surgical treatment methods for advanced intra-abdominal cancers.