Oncological diseases are one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine, but in recent decades, diagnostic and treatment methods have developed significantly. Despite this, many people still delay visit to a doctor, which reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Guram Menteshashvili, a doctor, oncosurgeon, and Professor at the Institute of Clinical Oncology, talks to us about this topic.

Cancer fear and public attitudes

A cancer diagnosis frightens many people, but in reality, not the disease itself that is a danger, but its late detection. Thanks to medical achievement, it is now possible to cure diseases that were considered untreatable 50 years ago.

In developed countries, patients visit doctors more often and undergo timely screening tests. As a result, the rate of early detection of the disease is high, which provides a better chance of a cure. Unfortunately, in our country, only 25% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage, while in developed countries, this number is the opposite – 75%.

• What are the modern treatment options?

Today, cancer treatment options include not only surgery, but also a variety of therapeutic methods, such as:

• Drug treatment
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted therapy

These methods significantly increase the chances of patients’ survival and the improvement of the quality of life.

Mr. Guram, how do you assess the role of patients' involvement in protecting their health?

Despite the development of medical technologies, patient’s activity remains to be crucial. It is important for people to regularly undergo preventive examinations. For example, prostate cancer is one of the most common tumors in men, the diagnosis of which is very simple - men over 40 should have a blood test once a year.

In addition to prostate cancer, colon, stomach, and lung cancer are also common in men. Early detection of these cancers significantly improves treatment outcomes and makes the disease process manageable.

The main challenge today is not only the treatment of cancer, but also its timely detection. Screening studies and preventive examinations detect the disease at an early stage and increase the chances of treatment. It is important that the fear prevalent in society be replaced by awareness - there are many people who have been cured, we just know little about them.