4 February is World Cancer Day. Awareness-raising campaigns and prevention initiatives are particularly important in Hungary, where the incidence and mortality rates of diagnosed cancers among the Hungarian population are higher than the EU average.
One in four deaths in Hungary is caused by cancer
According to data published at the Hungarian Cancer League conference in 2023, 70,000 Hungarian patients were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, and 30,593 people died of cancer in 2021 in Hungary. Encouragingly, the number of deaths shows a decline compared to 2019; however, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Hungary after cardiovascular diseases.
According to experts, lifestyle factors are the main factors that influence the development of cancer. Unfortunately, Hungarians are at the forefront of smoking and alcohol consumption. The majority of people are overweight or obese, and the attention paid to prevention is very low compared to other EU countries.
Prevention can save lives
Statistics show that the importance of regular screening cannot be overemphasized. Most diseases diagnosed in time would be much more likely to be curable with early detection. Therefore, annual screening tests recommended by age and sex, including some laboratory tests, are particularly important.
In women, cervical cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer are the most common cancers, while for men, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer are on the top the list.
In Hungary, cervical and breast cancer screening for women is organized on a call-in basis. Unfortunately, there is no such organized public health screening for men. Men over 45 years of age are recommended to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Elevated level of PSA may indicate prostate cancer. If necessary, the test can be supplemented with a free PSA test.
Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for both sexes over the age of 50. The screening is a two-step process: a non-negative stool blood test is followed by colonoscopy. HR-Pharma offers the fecal blood test at an affordable price, which is recommended on three different stool samples.
Tumor marker testing for prevention and a proper follow-up
Tumor markers can appear in the blood related to malignant tumors. Tumor marker testing can help to diagnose suspected malignancies. It is recommended for people over 40 as part of a laboratory test, especially if there is a family history of cancer. Their detection can also be used to monitor the treatment of tumors and the effectiveness of therapy.
HR-Pharma offers patients a range of tests that can help prevention and timely diagnosis: