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World Cancer Day: Early diagnosis saves lives
Millions of cases of cancer are diagnosed every yearbeing the second leading cause of death in the world. The term cancer encompasses numerous diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells in the body that divide, grow and spread uncontrollably throughout the body. It encompasses more than 200 types of cancerThe main ones are breast, lung, colon and rectal (colorectal), prostate, skin, liver, pancreatic, cervical, stomach and blood (leukemia) cancers.
The World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4.where prevention and early detection is a key aspect in the fight against the disease. Early diagnosis can save many lives and, in this area, the area of diagnostic imaging plays an essential role.
Through the use of advanced technologiesIn addition, it is possible to identify abnormalities before symptoms or signs appear by means of computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography and other support techniques. In addition to this, it is possible to medical innovation and use of artificial intelligencewhich allows for a much more accurate, personalized and efficient diagnosis. This not only improves success and survival rates, but also facilitates less aggressive and more effective treatments.
Importance of early cancer diagnosis
The early diagnosis of cancer is an essential tool for detecting the disease in its early stages. Many cancers are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. However, when detected early, cancer treatments tend to be more effective and less aggressive, so that survival rates increase significantly.
For example, in the case of breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is higher than 90% when detected at an early stage, while in advanced stages the chances of success are drastically reduced. The same is true for colon, prostate, lung and cervical cancer, among others.
What are the main advantages of early diagnosis?
- Increased treatment effectivenessTreatments are more effective at earlier stages, reducing the need for invasive procedures such as aggressive surgery or intensive chemotherapy.
- Reduced impact on quality of lifeDetecting cancer early may allow for less aggressive treatments with fewer side effects.
- Increased survival rateIn many cases, patients who receive an early diagnosis have a much longer life expectancy.
- Reduction of healthcare costsCancer treatment in advanced stages is more costly and complex. In contrast, early detection allows for simpler and more economical interventions.
Diagnostic Imaging: Benefits in Cancer Screening
The diagnostic imaging area allows non-invasive observation of the inside of the body through the use of different technologies, tools and specialized medical equipment. This is crucial in the detection of cancer, since facilitates the identification of organ and tissue abnormalities. The main benefits of diagnostic imaging in the early detection of cancer include:
Early detection of tumors before they become clinically apparent
One of the greatest benefits of diagnostic imaging is its ability to detect tumors in early stages, when there are no symptoms or signs yet. that evidence the presence of tumors or irregularities. Thus, by starting treatment early, your success rates are increased.
Accurate assessment and reduction of invasive procedures
Medical imaging provides a more accurate detailed visualization of body organs and tissuesThis helps specialists to differentiate between benign and malignant masses. With this, it is possible to to accurately assess the size, location and characteristics of the tumor. In turn, the need for invasive procedures is reducedas in the case of biopsies.
Monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment.
Diagnostic imaging is not only used to detect cancer, but also to make a monitoring of patients' response to treatment. For this purpose, magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography (PET) tests make it possible to assess whether a tumor is responding correctly to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy treatments. In this way, it is possible to adjust the treatment according to the patient's needs.
Improvement of the patient's quality of life
Imaging studies, being non-invasive techniques, allow for the following detecting cancer without painful procedures or long recovery periods. This improves the patient experience and avoids unnecessary interventions in many cases, improving their quality of life.
Main imaging techniques for cancer detection
There are different medical techniques in the area of diagnostic imaging that play a key role in the detection of different types of cancer:
Mammography
Mammography is the main technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of early detection of breast cancer. By means of a mammography equipment or mammographer, tumors, microcalcifications and suspicious nodules can be identified before they are palpable. We can differentiate two types of tests:
- Screening mammogramsMammography: This is a screening used in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that women over the age of 40 have this type of mammogram as a form of prevention.
- Diagnostic mammogramsBreast cancer screening: It is used when a woman has symptoms such as lumps, pain, discharge or changes in the skin of the breast, or when an abnormality is detected on a screening mammogram or screening mammogram.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography, also known as computed tomography, also known as TACis a medical procedure that uses x-rays and digital processing to obtain detailed images of internal organs. It is essential in the screening for lung, liver, pancreatic and colon cancer.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
In this technique, a magnetic field is used to generate radio waves that allow to create detailed medical imaging of soft tissues. The magnetic resonance imaging is especially useful in the brain, prostate and breast cancer screeningThe results of the tumor assessment are more accurate.
Ultrasound
The ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to examine internal organs and structures. This is a key tool in the thyroid, ovarian and prostate cancer screeningIt allows the visualization of abnormal masses without radiation.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
The Positron Emission Tomography or PET scanning is a technique that uses a radioactive tracer to identify active cancer cells. It is used in the detection of metastases and in the evaluation of the response to treatment of oncology patients.
Colonoscopy with digital imaging
Allows you to detecting polyps in the colon and rectum that may progress to cancer. The use of colonoscopy in screening programs has significantly reduced colorectal cancer mortality.
The role of technology and Artificial Intelligence in early diagnosis
The advances in technology and the use of the artificial intelligence in medical image analysis are revolutionizing cancer detection. AI-based technologies can analyze mammograms, MRIs and CT scans with high accuracy, making it possible to identify patterns and abnormalities before symptoms become apparent.
The artificial intelligence systems in medicine use advanced algorithms and machine-learning models to analyzing medical images, medical records, genetic data and other sources of information of patients. The use of the AI in medicine improves diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in medical and health care, as large volumes of data can be analyzed quickly and accurately. As a result, it has become a key tool for early disease detection.
Main advantages of AI in cancer diagnosis
- Streamlines the performance of diagnostic imaging studies and interpretation of medical images.
- Offers more detailed and customized analysis for each patient.
- Helps reduce errors.
- Optimizes treatments to suit the needs of each patient.
- Improved health and hospital care.
In the fight against cancer, every small step counts. Prevention, early detection and the use of technology and medical innovation are the most important elements in advancing research into the disease and improving patients' quality of life.
Bibliography
Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) (n.d.). What is cancer? AECC. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.contraelcancer.es/es/todo-sobre-cancer/que-es-cancer