Introduction to the Oncology Care Unit

Currently, between 30% and 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. Cancer burden can also be reduced through early detection and providing adequate treatment, care, and information to patients. It’s known that chances of recovery from many types of cancer increase if detected early and treated appropriately.

1.     Early Detection: Cancer-related deaths can be reduced when cancers are detected and treated early through methods such as early diagnosis and screening.

2.     Early Diagnosis: It’s certain that early diagnosis allows for faster response to treatment, increases survival rates, reduces disease rates, and lowers costly treatment expenses. Significant improvements can be made in the lives of cancer patients through early detection and avoiding delays in care. The components of early diagnosis include:

• Ensuring the patient is aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer in its various forms, and seeking medical advice when noticing abnormal results.
• Providing access to clinical assessment and diagnostic services.
• Referring the patient in a timely manner for treatment services. Ongoing cancer control programs and initiatives should be designed to reduce delays in diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and overcome barriers.

3.     Screening: The aim of screening is to identify individuals whose screening results suggest they may have a certain type of cancer or are in an early stage before symptoms appear. If a case is identified during screening, further tests should follow to confirm the final diagnosis, and the patient should be referred for treatment if cancer is confirmed.

Screening programs are effective for some types of cancer but not all. They are generally more complex and expensive than early diagnosis because they require special equipment and specialized health teams. Therefore, early diagnosis programs remain essential, along with age or risk-based screening. Examples of screening methods include:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing, including RNA and DNA tests, as preferred methods for screening cervical cancer.
• Mammography for breast cancer screening for women aged 50 to 69.