When we hear the word "cancer," we often think of fear. It's normal. But today we're going to put that fear aside and talk about hope. Did you know that there are some types of cancer that, if detected early, can be treated and almost completely cured? Even doctors are now using the word "cured" when talking about some cancers. Some people say "remission," because there's a small chance that it could come back. But generally, if a cancer is diagnosed and doesn't come back within 5 years, it's very likely to be cured. That's a very good sign.
Okay, so let's see what these promising, highly curable types of cancer are?
1. Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small gland found only in men, just below the bladder. Cancer in this gland is often very aggressive.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| 5-year survival rate | About 99%. |
| Why is the possibility of recovery higher? | Most prostate cancer tumors grow very slowly. Some grow very slowly. So they may not need treatment. These people die of other causes, and this cancer is not life-threatening. |
| When does the ability to heal decrease? | If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, that is, if it becomes metastatic cancer, it is difficult to treat. But this only happens in a very small percentage of cases. The good news is that in most cases, this cancer can be detected early, before it spreads. |
| Screening | There are two main methods. One is a digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by a doctor. The other is a blood test called PSA . However, PSA levels can be elevated for other reasons besides cancer. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor about whether you need these tests or not. If you have symptoms such as difficulty urinating or blood in your urine, see a doctor without delay. |
2. Thyroid Cancer
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in our neck. It produces hormones that control many things in the body, such as calorie burning and heart rate.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| 5-year survival rate | About 98%. |
| Why is the possibility of recovery higher? | Papillary thyroid cancer, the most common type, grows very slowly. Even if the tumor is large or has spread to nearby tissue, the disease can be cured by removing the gland with surgery. After surgery, you will need to take a daily pill to replace the hormones produced by the gland. And doctors are now detecting this cancer at a much earlier stage. |
| When does the ability to heal decrease? | There is a very rare and serious type of cancer called anaplastic . But since it is very rare, there is no need to worry too much about it. |
| Screening | There are no recommended tests for this. Most people will notice a lump or swelling in their neck. Or it may be found incidentally during a scan done for another reason. If you feel a lump in your neck, or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, be sure to see a doctor. |
3. Testicular Cancer
This is also a cancer that only affects men, but the cure rate is very high.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| 5-year survival rate | 95.1%. |
| Why is the possibility of recovery higher? | In the early stages, that is, if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, surgery can completely cure the cancer by removing the testicle. Usually, when one testicle is removed, the remaining testicle produces the necessary hormones, so there is no problem with sex life or having children. Even if the disease has spread, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are very effective. The cure rate for this cancer has increased significantly thanks to a drug called Cisplatin . |
| When does the ability to heal decrease? | Even when the disease has spread, the cure rate is as high as 73%. That's a very good situation compared to when cancer has spread. |
| Screening | There are no recommended tests. However, it is important for men to regularly self-examine their testicles to see if they have a lump or if one is larger than the other. If you notice any such changes, see a doctor immediately. |
4. Melanoma - Skin cancer
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. But the special thing about this one is that it can be detected early because we can see it with our own eyes.
Imagine, how valuable would it be if we could detect a serious illness early by looking at a mole on our own body? That's the case with melanoma.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| 5-year survival rate | 94%. |
| Why is the possibility of recovery higher? | When the cancer is limited to the surface of the skin, meaning it hasn't spread, it can be completely cured by removing that part with a small surgery. Since we can take care of this ourselves, the chances of early detection are higher. |
| When does the ability to heal decrease? | If not detected early, melanoma can spread to internal organs more quickly than other skin cancers. Once it has spread beyond the skin's surface, it is much more difficult to treat. |
| Screening | Yes, self-examination is very important. Be aware of any large, dark, unusually shaped, or raised spots on your skin. Check especially hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and between your toes. If you see any suspicious spots, see a doctor immediately. |
5. Early Stage Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a much-discussed and feared topic among women. But the good news is that if detected early, this is also a highly curable cancer.
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| 5-year survival rate | 99% - 100% in early stages (Stage 0 and 1). |
| Why is the possibility of recovery higher? | Modern medicine has made great progress against this cancer. We now know that breast cancer is not a single disease, but that there are different types. There are now specific, targeted treatments that are suitable for each type. For example, for (Estrogen receptor positive) types of cancer, drugs that reduce the hormone estrogen give good results. |
| When does the ability to heal decrease? | Once cancer has spread, it is difficult to treat. Also, some aggressive types of cancer, such as triple negative, are more challenging to treat because they do not have targeted therapies. |
| Screening | Yes, it is very important. Studies have shown that regular mammograms can save lives. After the age of 40, it is important for every woman to talk to her doctor about a screening schedule that is right for her. Never ignore a lump or change in your breast. |
Take-Home Message
- Cancer is not always a death sentence. As we talked about today, there are many types of cancer that have a very high cure rate.
- The most important and powerful factor in achieving a good result is "early detection".
- Pay attention to your body. If you notice an unusual lump, skin change, persistent pain, or other strange symptom, don't just ignore it and say, "It's okay."
- If you have any doubts or fears, the best thing to do is to see a trusted doctor and talk about it, rather than searching for information on the internet.
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