In the Czech Republic, nearly one in every thirteen people is living with cancer, and the number of cancer patients is set to rise significantly in the coming decade.
According to Ladislav Dušek, the director of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (IHIS), nearly 800,000 people are currently affected by cancer, and the number is expected to grow by 25% over the next ten years due to the aging population.
To mark World Cancer Day, Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) emphasized that the best way to combat the fear of cancer is through early diagnosis. Dušek highlighted the success of organized screening programs, which have helped detect tumors or precancerous changes in nearly 120,000 individuals since 2019.
Válek urged the public to participate in these screening programs, which are essential for early cancer detection. “If we don’t go for screening and come too late for surgery, even the best specialist may not be able to save our lives,” warned Nikola Pazderová from the “Voice of Cancer Patients” association, stressing the importance of self-examination.
For women, gynecologists monitor cervical cancer, and from the age of 45, mammograms are available for breast cancer screenings. Starting in 2024, men aged 50 to 69 will be able to take a blood test to detect the risk of prostate cancer. Both men and women over the age of 50 are encouraged to undergo screening for colorectal cancer, including stool blood tests or colonoscopies every ten years.
For current and former smokers, early detection of lung cancer is possible through CT scans. Additionally, colonoscopies can include procedures to remove precancerous polyps, preventing cancer development.
Early detection is key to curing cancer, with some cancers, like colorectal cancer, offering a 90% chance of cure if caught early. However, despite these programs being covered by state health insurance and available at no cost to patients, experts warn that participation rates are still too low. Less than half of those eligible for colorectal cancer prevention participate in screening.
In addition to screening programs, residents are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and reducing alcohol consumption. Válek also highlighted the importance of the “Be Fit 24” project, which aims to prevent childhood obesity.
Starting in April 2025, the Ministry of Health’s mobile app, EZ Karta, will provide individuals with reminders about when they last had a preventive examination and when they are due for the next one, encouraging more people to take part in these crucial health checks.
