1 in 5 People Will Develop Cancer: The Role of Healthy Living and Regular Screenings
Global cancer cases are rising, with 20 million new diagnoses each year. Early detection and healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular screenings and cancer-prevention strategies, are essential to combat this growing health crisis.
Editors 
1 in 5 People Will Develop Cancer: The Role of Healthy Living and Regular Screenings
Global Cancer Rates Are Rising, but Early Detection Saves Lives
Every year, 20 million new cancer cases are reported globally, according to 2023 data. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by breast, colon, rectum, and prostate cancers. Prof. Dr. Necdet Üskent, Medical Oncology and Hematology Specialist at Anadolu Health Center, emphasizes the urgency of early detection and healthy lifestyle habits to combat this growing epidemic.
“Globally, 1 in 5 people will develop cancer. Men are more likely to experience lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, while women are at higher risk for breast, thyroid, and colon cancers,” he noted.
In Turkey, the pattern mirrors global trends, with approximately 250,000 new cancer cases annually. By 2050, the number of yearly diagnoses worldwide is projected to soar to 35 million.
Younger Patients Are Being Diagnosed
While cancer is often associated with aging, Prof. Dr. Üskent warns against complacency.
“Although cell aging increases cancer risk, cases among individuals under 50, including breast, colon, stomach, and brain cancers, are on the rise. This shift challenges the notion that cancer is solely a disease of old age, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy habits throughout life,” he explained.
A Nature study suggests that those born after 1990 face a higher risk of developing early-onset cancers compared to earlier generations due to genetic mutations that can begin at birth or even earlier. Environmental factors, diet, lifestyle changes, and gut microbiota also contribute to this increased risk.
The Power of Prevention: Healthy Living and Regular Screenings
According to Prof. Dr. Üskent, cancer prevention strategies can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary prevention.
Primary Prevention: Reducing Risk Before It Starts
- Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle
- Follow personalized, balanced nutrition plans
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, excessive UV exposure, and harmful chemicals
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis and HPV
- Prioritize regular sleep and natural antioxidants
- Treat bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, linked to stomach cancer
Secondary Prevention: Early Detection Saves Lives
Screening tests can catch cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. Prof. Dr. Üskent recommends:
- Breast cancer: Mammograms
- Prostate cancer: PSA tests
- Colon cancer: Fecal occult blood tests and genetic screenings
- Cervical cancer: Pap smears
- Lung cancer: Low-dose CT scans for long-term smokers
“Only 18% of cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage. Regular screenings and healthy habits are essential to catching cancer before it spreads and becomes harder to treat,” he emphasized.
A Call to Action
As cancer cases rise globally, investing in healthy living and regular check-ups becomes more critical than ever. By adopting preventive measures, individuals can not only reduce their cancer risk but also ensure earlier detection and more effective treatment options.
