In recent times, there have been more and more severe cases of cancer in young people, up to the age of 50, says Dr. Mircea Savu, a specialist in radiotherapy at the Bucharest Oncology Institute.
This is a trend reported globally, with the most common cases in Romania being advanced lung cancers, as well as digestive cancers linked to dietary changes.
A Global Trend
The increase in the number of cancer cases in individuals under 50 is a global trend noted by experts. In Romania, this trend can be observed in medical facilities, although an exact number cannot be specified as the National Cancer Registry is not yet complete.
"It is true that lately there have been some alarm signals from European institutions, medical institutions, drawing attention to the increase, some say explosive, in the incidence of cancer under the age of 50.
Unfortunately, in Romania, I read that work is once again being done on the National Cancer Registry, a very important task because it is the only way to allocate resources correctly. In principle, the Registry exists, but unfortunately, only on paper. So, I cannot provide a clear, accurate, and evidence-based answer as to the extent to which this situation, which is dramatic in itself, is present or not in Romania."
"Indeed, we have also noticed that in recent times, many patients under 50 years old are appearing, and unfortunately, some of them have serious illnesses. With lung cancers that are metastatic from the beginning, with esophageal cancers with extensive spread and with significant efforts to control the disease, because it is one thing to treat neoplasms in an early and curable stage, and another to treat with heavy artillery, so to speak, which means resources, cancers in advanced stages," says Dr. Mircea Savu.
Most Common Cancers in Romania and Their Causes
The most common cancers recently, based on the experience of Dr. Mircea Savu at the Bucharest Oncology Institute, are lung cancers, esophageal cancers, and digestive cancers.
"Primarily lung cancers, which are most likely linked to pollution in general, esophageal cancers, rectal cancers.
Regarding cancers, let's say globally, digestive ones, meaning esophagus, stomach, rectum, colorectal cancer is a mix that actually needs to be better defined because there are several forms of colorectal cancer, linked to changes in dietary habits, unfortunately," he stated.
Prevention is essential. What to Do
The doctor emphasizes that it is crucial for the condition to be detected as early as possible, as the survival rate significantly differs for cancers found in stage 1 and 2 compared to those in stage 3 and 4. Therefore, prevention is essential in our daily lives.
Pay attention to warning signs! Dr. Savu says there are so-called warning signs to watch out for. For example, the appearance of lymphadenopathies, abnormal bleeding, changes in bowel habits - alternating constipation with diarrhea.
"Regarding skin tumors, among which malignant melanoma is very serious, even though lately the range of treatments available has significantly improved, any small wound that changes its structure, volume, or bleeds should prompt a visit to the doctor," Dr. Savu warns.
Regarding digestive cancers, if we look at countries with efficient healthcare systems, we see that there are some prevention rules that could be adopted here as well.
"And here I would mention Israel. They have very strict rules, considering they have the highest incidence of colon cancer in the world, where it is absolutely mandatory for individuals over 50 to undergo a colonoscopy. It's an example," says Dr. Savu.
The doctor also highlights the need to enhance Romania's healthcare infrastructure with units that support efforts for prevention and appropriate cancer treatment.
"Currently, we should complement this healthcare system chain with some intermediate links that unfortunately, over time, have disappeared, I am referring to polyclinics," which could be a solution to avoid overcrowding in hospitals, especially concerning specialized medical centers, such as cancer, diabetes, chronic diseases, neurology, etc., Dr. Savu further explains.
The doctor advocates for optimizing and adapting the stages that an oncology patient must go through to current developments, as well as diversifying forms of treatment.