Petropolis Diary

Health care, well-being and attention to symptoms are ways to recognize the disease at an early stage to achieve greater success in treatment

May is a good time to bring attention to cancer of the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. According to estimates from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), 1.4% to 1.8% of malignancies examined affect the central nervous system, and of this total, 88% are localized in the brain. In Petrópolis, Radio Serra Centro Regional for radiotherapy, the average number of visits for patients with this type of cancer in 2023 was about two visits per month. According to the latest INCA study, in Brazil, 11,490 people receive the diagnosis, with the majority of cases (53.2%) affecting men.

The most recent INCA sampling (2022) identified 6,110 cases in men and 5,380 cases in women. In 2021, the number of deaths due to this type of cancer reached 9,684, 4,996 men and 4,686 women. This is a type of cancer for which there are still no indications for prevention. It is a multifactorial disease, which reinforces the need to maintain routine medical monitoring, which contributes to identifying signs that may indicate the diagnosis, as confirmed by radiation oncologist, Daniel Przybysz.

Since preventive measures for this type of cancer are not established, the specialist promotes attention to common symptoms that may indicate attention to a possible diagnosis. Among the factors that may draw attention are: headaches, when they begin to occur suddenly, or intensely, continuously and permanently, and occur at a specific point; Epilepsy or convulsive crises in patients who have never experienced this type of event; Loss of neurological function such as focal deficits, loss of strength or touch in the extremities, vision or hearing, and changes in speech. Loss of the ability to understand, think, write, calculate, and recognize people; Or changes in behavior such as agitation, increased aggression or apathy.

Daniel Przybysz stressed that it is increasingly necessary for people to be aware of the appearance of unusual symptoms and behaviors that can help in early diagnosis, which is a factor of greater importance for the treatment of any type of cancer.

In addition to genetic factors, which are of interest, according to the analyzes highlighted by INCA, cancer in the central nervous system can be caused by a series of genetic changes, acquired throughout life, whether due to predisposition or exposure. Other factors that also increase the risk include exposure to radiation and a weakened immune system. Identification at an early stage contributes to effective treatment and the possibility of recovery. Attention to the appearance of symptoms suggestive of CNS cancer is the main procedure for initiating a specific investigation.

Through the communication channels with Radio Sera, the Regional Center for Radiotherapy on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/radioserraradioterapia?igsh=MWg3OGViNGY2N3lsdQ== ) There is more information about healthcare and contact information to reach specialists who can better advise you on the healthcare needed.

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