Each year approximately 8.8 million people die of cancer in the world, according to the World Health Organization, as result of the late detection of the disease. Dr. Mauricio León, a mastologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, explains that all cancers are classified by their state of severity. For example, 90% to 100% of people, in initial stage 1, are cured; while in phase 0 100% achieves it.

Next, our specialist gives us 3 reasons why we should have preventive check-ups that will help us detect cancer in time:

1. Increase the life of the patient

   Early detection of cancer helps to initiate appropriate treatment promptly, increasing the chances of saving the patient’s life.

2. Reduce financial impact

   If cancer is detected when it still does not generate symptoms, that is, in its initial stage, the treatment received has a much lower cost compared to detecting the disease in an advanced stage, which will require chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, radical surgery, among other treatments that have high costs. In addition, the person who suffers from it will be able to continue leading their normal life and continue to financially support the family if that is the case.

3. Receive quick and less mutilating treatment

   If the disease is detected early, the patient will only need a simple and shorter treatment that does not generate major trauma such as the amputation of any part of the body. For example, in the case of breast cancer, if it is detected in stage 0, the breast is usually preserved and does not require chemotherapy, only pills.

Remember that it is very important to have preventive medical check-ups even if we are in good health, in this way we can avoid illnesses or that they become complicated.

Dr. Mauricio León
Mastologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma