Stating that 250,000 new cancer diagnoses are made annually in Turkey, which amounts to more than 600 people per day, Radiation Oncology Specialist Spec. Dr. Yildıray Tanriver said, "By 2030, unfortunately, we will lose more than 13 million people to cancer. 22 million people will receive new cancer diagnoses. Worldwide, 1 in 5 people, unfortunately, develops cancer. 1 in 8 men and 1 in 11 women die from cancer. Prevention of these is possible. Please give importance to early diagnosis. Let us search for the formulas of healthy and long living together," he said.

Speaking about World Cancer Day on February 4, Radiation Oncology Specialist and Infinity Regenerative Clinic Medical Director Yildıray Tanriver said, "We can protect ourselves from cancer. Cancer is not actually our fate. Many genetic factors play a role, of course, but by affecting the epigenetic factors we call environmental factors, it is possible to protect ourselves from cancer. The more important issue is early diagnosis. The earlier we diagnose cancer, the faster we can act and reach treatment quickly," he said.

"ANY CHANGE IN AN ORGAN CAN BE AN ALARM FOR DEVELOPING CANCER"

Stating that cancer has many symptoms, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said, "Any change in an organ in the body can be an alarm sign for developing cancer. For example, any changes in my skin, its bleeding, changes in the tissue on top, or changes in color are important to us. Excessive coughing, sputum, bloody sputum, pain, and swelling in the body are equally important. All could be signs of cancer. These symptoms must be checked by a specialist physician," he said.

"GOOD SLEEP IS VERY IMPORTANT"

Reminding that genetic tests are important in diagnosis methods, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said, "By also using artificial intelligence, we can actually determine our risk factors through genetic tests. After identifying these risk factors, our lifestyle becomes very important to us. Good sleep is very important. Exercising, being active, and drinking plenty of water are also very important. We need to stay away from processed foods, which is one of the biggest problems today. By living long and healthy, it is possible to protect ourselves from cancer. We use artificial intelligence in both diagnosis and treatment of cancer. For example, with artificial intelligence in ultrasound, it is possible to examine many blood vessels, arteries, tissues, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and aorta by taking a three-dimensional biopsy. After COVID-19, it became possible for us to find and detect changes in blood vessels with these types of ultrasound devices in advance," he said.

"SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON HYDROGEN INHALATION IS STILL ONGOING"

Mentioning that in addition to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical treatments, there are new treatment methods, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said, "Currently, immunotherapies, smart drugs, and targeted therapies are coming to the fore. Hydrogen therapy, on the other hand, is a different method. It has come to the agenda as one of these very new methods. When we look at many literatures and studies, we can see that when medical hydrogen is taken, it plays a role in cancer treatment. Hydrogen inhalation is among the newer methods being investigated because of its possible effects on oxidative stress. Research in this field is ongoing, and its role in the prevention or treatment of cancer has not been established. It is not a substitute for standard oncological treatment. Cancer diagnosis and treatment are planned solely by the relevant specialist physician. This is a new method. Hydrogen therapy that emerges with chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods, has come to the agenda as one of the prevention methods. Hydrogen inhalation therapy has another effect: it is very effective in diabetes. There are many studies showing that it lowers blood sugar. We notice that in many diabetic patients, cancer risk increases, appears in a higher proportion. In light of this information, if we can use hydrogen therapy in type 2 diabetic patients, by reducing sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance, we may have opened new ground in cancer treatment and prevention methods," he said.

EPIGENETIC FACTORS ARE NOW MUCH MORE IN THE FOREGROUND

Expressing that environmental factors can also change genetics, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said, "Genetics is important in cancer. But not as much as thought. Epigenetic factors are now much more in the foreground. The environmental factors we call epigenetic factors are important. For example, if the oxygen in the air we breathe is low, it can change genetics. Similarly, if we eat too much processed food, it can change genetics. It is very important to protect our immune system. Our digestive system is also now in the foreground. We apply treatments to many people by looking at microbiome tests, that is, the ratio of bacteria in the intestines. Because approximately 80-85 percent of the immune system originates from the digestive system. For this reason, let's stay away from processed foods. Let's eat well as one of the prerequisites for long and healthy living," he used these expressions.

"THE INCIDENCE OF CANCER IN TURKEY IS LOWER THAN IN MANY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD"

Stating that the incidence of cancer in Turkey is relatively lower than in many countries in the world, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said, "Here I think we can say we have lucky genes. As society develops, cancer risk increases too. In this case, nutrition, sleep deprivation, and sedentary lifestyle also play a role. Along with diagnosis, the incidence of cancer increases further. In our country, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate and thyroid cancers are very common," he said.

DO NOT USE VITAMINS WITHOUT CONSULTING A PHYSICIAN

Expressing that tobacco and its derivatives must be avoided to protect against cancer, Spec. Dr. Tanriver drew attention to the importance of early diagnosis and used the following statements: "We will also stay away from alcohol and processed foods. We will not lead a sedentary life and we will pay great attention to our nutrition. If we do this, we will be largely protected from cancer. There is one more important point. Too many vitamins and minerals have begun to be used. Especially herbal ones are used a lot. These can be effective in cancer prevention and treatment. However, before using them, consult your physician. Because everything you take into your body can have side effects. This can be especially true in cancer prevention and treatment. I want to emphasize this. Do not have these types of applications done without consulting your physician. Do not take substances produced in herbal or different ways without your physician's knowledge."

+ DHA