Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer most commonly occurs in young adulthood (ages 20-40), though it can occasionally appear in children. It is the most frequent malignant cancer among men in this age group. In Hungary, approximately 400 new cases are diagnosed annually, and this number is steadily rising, suggesting that external factors may play a significant role in its occurrence. Risk factors include undescended testes, genetic predisposition, and prior germ cell cancer.
Symptoms
Any enlargement of the testicle or unusual differences between the two testes should prompt suspicion and medical examination. Early signs may include a pea-sized lump that can be felt, dull pain, or a sensation of heaviness or pulling in the scrotum. Later stages might involve enlarged lymph nodes in the groin or distant metastases. Monthly self-examinations are highly recommended for men starting from puberty, as early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Self-Examination
The best time for a self-exam is in the bath or shower, immediately after cleaning, as the scrotal muscles are most relaxed then.
- Step 1: Gently lift and examine the scrotum in your palm, first assessing the entire organ and then each testicle individually, noting any changes in size or shape. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly heavier than the other starting in puberty.
- Step 2: Carefully palpate each testicle with the thumb and forefinger to check for enlargements or lumps not previously felt. A flexible swelling is likely not cancer but may indicate fluid in the scrotum, which is treatable. Feel along the spermatic cord and epididymis on each side, even if initially challenging or mistaken as lumps.
If you notice any irregularities, consult a urologist immediately. No referral is needed from a general practitioner.
Prostate Cancer
In Hungary, prostate cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. It originates in the lining cells of the prostate glands, and its likelihood increases with age. Despite being treatable when detected early, annual screenings are underutilized, resulting in 1,400-1,500 deaths annually. Environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors play roles in its development, but the precise cause remains unclear.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages. Later symptoms may include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak or intermittent urine flow, pain or burning during urination, and blood in urine or semen. Advanced stages may present lower back pain or stiffness in the hips and thighs due to metastases.
Screening Methods
- PSA Test: A blood test measures Prostate-Specific Antigen levels. A urologist can provide a referral.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The prostate is examined via the rectum by a urologist. No referral is required; registration is sufficient.
Further tests, such as an ultrasound or biopsy, may be conducted for diagnosis.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the most common malignant cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Hungary. Smoking is a well-known risk factor, but air pollution also contributes significantly. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in polluted air has been linked to increased cancer risks.
Symptoms
Early stages of lung cancer often lack symptoms. Warning signs include persistent cough, coughing up blood, recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
Annual screenings are recommended for smokers over 40 and for nonsmokers in polluted areas. Regular screenings can detect lung cancer earlier, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer most frequently develops between ages 25-40, originating from the cells covering the cervix or its glands. It is almost always caused by carcinogenic strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted through sexual contact. While early stages are treatable, regular annual gynecological check-ups, including cytological tests, are crucial.
Prevention
- HPV vaccinations are available and recommended, especially before initiating sexual activity.
- Reducing the number of sexual partners and using condoms can lower the risk, though condoms do not provide full protection against HPV.
- Avoiding smoking and maintaining regular screenings improve outcomes.
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Condom Usage and HPV Protection
Condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV because the virus can be transmitted from any infected skin area to the partner’s skin. However, the risk of HPV-related diseases is increased by other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), against which condoms are effective. Some research suggests that Vitamin A may inhibit cancerous processes on the cervical surface, but further studies are needed to confirm this.
Prevention
Several HPV vaccines are available. In Hungary, vaccination for 13-14-year-old girls has been mandatory and free since 2014. The vaccine has proven to be 100% effective for women who were not infected with HPV at the time of vaccination. Therefore, vaccination before the onset of sexual activity is the most effective. It is not too late to get vaccinated in adulthood, as women are at risk of HPV infection at any age, and the vaccine effectively prevents the long-term harmful consequences of the infection.
Breast Cancer Prevention Program
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common illness among women, with approximately 8,000 new cases diagnosed annually in Hungary. Most women detect breast tumors themselves when they notice a lump in the breast. Self-examination is crucial for the early detection of cancerous changes. Current knowledge suggests that identifying and treating abnormalities smaller than 1 cm can lead to a 95% chance of recovery. Therefore, self-examinations should begin no later than age 20 and be performed monthly, ideally after menstruation when the breast tissue is softest and easiest to examine. If menstruation is irregular, it is advisable to conduct the examination on the same day each month. After menopause, self-examinations should also be performed monthly on a fixed date.
Steps for Self-Examination:
- Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a non-distorting mirror and observe the breasts from the front and side for size differences, skin indentations, or thickening.
- Repeat with Arms on Hips: Observe the breasts for changes.
- Repeat with Arms Raised: Look for the same signs.
- Palpation in Standing Position:
- Lift your left arm and use the closed fingers of your right hand to make circular motions to examine the left breast for any lumps or nodules.
- Repeat on the other side with the right arm raised.
- Palpation Lying Down:
- Place a pillow under your left shoulder, raise your left arm above your head, and use your right hand to examine the left breast in circular motions, moving from the outer areas toward the nipple.
- Examine the area between the breast and the armpit, as well as the armpit itself, with the arm raised and lowered.
- Gently press the nipple to check for discharge.
- Repeat on the other side.
It is essential to familiarize yourself with the normal state of your breasts. Suspicious features observed initially are often harmless, but attention should be paid to changes over time. Consult a doctor immediately in the following cases:
- Change in breast shape.
- Alteration of breast skin.
- Lump or nodule in the breast or armpit.
- Persistent retraction of the nipple.
- Nipple discharge.
From age 20, an annual specialist check-up is advisable, and after age 40, yearly exams are strongly recommended.
Mammography
A minimally uncomfortable procedure, mammography is recommended as follows:
- Ages 30–45: Every three years, as per professional guidelines.
- Ages 45–65: Every two years through invitations.
- Age 50 and above: Annually, per professional recommendations.
Breast Cancer Overview
Breast cancer is most common among women aged 50–60, though its occurrence is increasing among women under 40. Rare cases also occur in men, accounting for about 1% of all breast cancer cases.
Risk factors include:
- Family history of breast or other gynecological cancers, or male relatives with prostate or soft-tissue cancers.
- Tumors that develop at a young age or affect both paired organs.
Researchers have identified genes potentially responsible for breast cancer, but external and internal factors combined contribute to the disease. External risks include radiation exposure from occupational hazards or previous cancer treatments. However, the primary risk factors are internal, with age being a significant contributor. Estrogen, a female hormone, is another critical factor. Prolonged menstrual cycles, early menarche, or late menopause increase estrogen exposure. Hormone replacement therapy for infertility or menopausal symptoms also raises the risk. Women without children or those who give birth to their first child after age 30 are also at higher risk.
