Cancer prevention is most often understood as a set of measures taken to lower the likelihood of cancer development, so-called primary prevention. However, this concept is much broader.

It also includes early diagnosis of cancer before the onset of symptoms, when the chances of cure are the highest (secondary prevention). Lastly, it also comprises tertiary prevention that aims to reduce the risk of disease recurrence in cancer survivors.

Take control over your health

1How to prevent cancer

According to the World Health Organisation, one in three cancers can be prevented simply by lifestyle modifications.

The basis of primary cancer prevention is to avoid tobacco exposure. One year of smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer by a third.

Diet
Healthy diet plays an important role in the development and prevention of a number of cancer types, as it affects the entire body throughout your life. Overweight or inappropriate dietary patterns have been proved to increase the risk of digestive tract cancers such as colorectal, oesophageal, liver and pancreatic carcinoma. They are also associated with higher risk of getting a breast, prostate or uterine cancer.
 
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption is another important factor that increases cancer risk. In developed countries, alcohol is responsible for 3–12% of cancer deaths.
 
Vaccination
Vaccines help prevent some types of cancer, that are induced by viruses. There are vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) that can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Up to 80% of people will encounter HPV infection in their lifetime. Hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
 
Physical activity
Sedentary behaviour is considered a risk factor for many types of cancer. By regular exercise, you can lower your risk of colorectal, breast, lung and uterine cancer.
 
Sleep
Sleep is another key factor involved in the primary prevention of cancer. At night, your body starts to produce a hormone called melatonin, which is also an antioxidant, i.e. a substance that can neutralise free radicals and thus protect your body against damage linked with cancer.
 
Environment
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), carcinogenic pollution of the air, water and soil is responsible for 1-4% of all cancers.
 
European Code Against Cancer
By following these recommendations, you can significantly lower the risk of developing cancer. Half of all cancer deaths in Europe could be prevented by appropriate modification of lifestyle factors.
 

It's never too late
to change
your lifestyle.

2How to detect cancer early?
We provide a comprehensive prevention programme suitable for everyone.

In oncology, it applies that the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the outcomes, because initial stages of cancer are most likely to be curable. In addition to that, the overall treatment would often be less demanding.

Preventive Cancer Screening at the MMCI includes a broad spectrum of examinations aimed at diagnosing of most common cancer types.

  1. The crucial part of the consultation involves the examination by an experienced oncologist. Firstly, you will discuss your personal and family history with the doctor.
  2. You will also undergo a physical examination, which includes skin inspection,  lymph node examination, and blood pressure, pulse and weight measurements, ECG recording, blood sampling, urianalysis and fecal occult blood test.
  3. During the consultation, you will be inquired about your lifestyle habits and you will receive personalized counselling regarding possible risk factors, if identified.
  4. Chest X-ray and complete abdominal ultrasound will be provided in order to evaluate the liver, kidneys, pancreas, bile ducts and bladder. Additionally, men undergo ultrasound of the testicles and women have breast ultrasound.

Based on your results, the doctor will complete a comprehensive medical report within two or three weeks, which is sent to you by registered mail, by e-mail or you can collect it in person.

To date, the MMCI prevention programme called Cancer Prevention Programme for Everyone has basically saved more than 200 lives. Otherwise healthy clients, who were absolutely free from any symptoms were diagnosed with cancer early enough to enable less invasive and more effective treatment measures.

Cancer detected early
is highly
treatable.

Schedule a comprehensive cancer screening

 

Early detection of cancer increases the chances of successful treatment by up to 100%.  Regular check-ups and cancer screening can save your life.

+420 543 135 404

3Prevention after cancer treatment

Prevention is also very important for patients who have successfully recovered from cancer. Perhaps every cancer survivor has concerns that the cancer may come back after once being cured. Regular examinations and check-ups may help to minimize the risks. At the same time, patients should not forget to follow diet and activity guidelines to prevent the recurrence or a new cancer.  

We provide specialized follow-up and counselling on the prevention of cancer recurrence or development of a second tumour, i.e. a tumour in another part of the body.

The first step in the prevention of cancer recurrence is a regular follow-up, i.e. active medical monitoring of the patient in remission. The aim is to detect early signs of cancer and initiate adequate treatment as soon as possible. Your treating physician will set up a personalized schedule for you including all the necessary examinations and appointments.

Besides regular follow-up care, the prevention of cancer recurrence is also based on your own responsibility and adherence to healthy living recommendations. In addition to lifestyle counselling, our dedicated personnel can help you cope with psychological aspects of cancer diagnosis, such as the fear of recurrence, and support your adaptation strategies to life's difficulties.

To help reduce your cancer risk after successful treatment, follow the principles of primary cancer prevention, attend preventive check-ups and participate in screening programmes, just as other healthy persons. This may increase the chances of early cancer detection and its successful treatment.

In patients with complete or partial remission, the whole body must be checked during prevention.

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