In Colombia, cancer continues to advance in silence. It does not always hurt at the beginning, it does not always give clear signs and, in many cases, by the time it is named, it is already too late. This is what he warns Rosalba Ospino in a video that has begun to circulate on social networks and that focuses on a disturbing reality for the country.
“Five types of cancer are gaining ground in Colombia and cause half of all new cases each year,” he says. The seriousness is not only in the numbers, but in the moment in which the diagnosis is confirmed. “The most serious thing is that “Many of these cases are detected when it is too late,” he adds, a phrase that summarizes the main challenge of the disease in the country.
Cancer is today a public health problem. In Colombia, hundreds of thousands of people live with an oncological diagnosis and tens of thousands of new cases are added every year. Projections indicate that this burden will continue to grow, driven by factors such as aging population and unhealthy lifestyles.
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The cancers that cause the most deaths
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National statistics show a clear pattern. Cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and rectum and stomach They concentrate a large part of the incidence and mortality in the country. They affect men and women differently, but they share a profound impact on families and the health system.
In women, breast cancer is the most common and one of the main causes of death. In men, prostate cancer takes that place. Both tend to advance silently for years, which means that many cases are discovered when the disease is already in advanced stages.
Early detection can make a difference in cancer treatment. Photo:iStock
Lung cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers in both sexes. His strong relationship with smoking explains a good part of the cases, although it also affects people exposed to environmental pollutants. Added to this are colorectal and stomach cancer, which maintain a significant burden of disease and mortality in Colombia.
Rosalba Ospino emphasizes that, despite their differences, these cancers have something in common. “Everyone can be detected in time,” he points out, a statement that shifts the conversation from fear to action.
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Detect before it’s too late
Early detection is one of the most powerful tools to reduce cancer deaths. In the case of breast cancer, mammograms They allow injuries to be identified when they do not yet generate symptoms. For prostate cancer, PSA tests and the rectal examination They help evaluate the condition of the gland before complications appear.
Colorectal cancer can be detected by simple tests such as occult blood in feces and, in later stages, with colonoscopies which even prevent the disease by removing polyps. In women, the cytology and the HPV tests remain key to reducing mortality from cervical cancer.
Consulting the doctor in time allows you to act before the disease progresses. Photo:Stock
For those at high risk of lung cancer, especially current or former smokers, low dose chest tomography It has established itself as an effective tool to detect the disease in its early stages, even before symptoms appear.
“Consulting the doctor at least once a year with the specific purpose of doing preventive checkups is key,” insists Ospino. In his message, medical control is no longer seen as a reaction to pain and is presented as a conscious decision.
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When the body starts to speak
The body usually gives signs, although they are not always paid attention. Unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness, abnormal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, or a cough that does not go away may be early warning signs that require medical evaluation.
Prevention is not limited to exams. Avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber, engaging in regular physical activity and getting vaccinated against HPV are everyday decisions that reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer.
Adopting healthy habits helps reduce the risk of disease. Photo:STOCK
In the end, the message is simple and forceful: Taking care of your health is not acting from fear, but from information. In a country where late diagnosis continues to make the difference between living and dying, knowledge also becomes a form of care.
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MARÍA PAULA LOZANO
WRITING RANGE DIGITAL
