These are the ten deadliest types of cancer in Ecuador; more detected in women

Difficulty breathing, tiredness, and even unexplained weight loss are some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. one of the most deadly or aggressive types in Ecuador.

This is determined by the figures of the Global Cancer Observatory for 2020, which details the numbers of cases in 35 types of cancer, highlighting among these the ten with the highest incidence, mortality and prevalence.

Breast cancer is leading the charge ranking in the country, with 3,563 new cases in that year, but occupies the fourth position in mortality, with 1,056 people.

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Glenda Ramos, clinical oncologist and head of the Solca Clinical Department, indicates that this is the main cancer in women and that its detection can be early. “There are patients who do not have the financial means to have their annual mammography checkup. So, If you feel lumps in the neck, armpit or anywhere, you have to see a specialist”, says Ramos, who mentions that from the age of 45 mammograms should be performed more frequently.

with this agrees José Luis Cañadas, medical director of Roche Ecuador, who indicates that, even if it is a “spot”, it is already a warning sign. “In breast cancer there is a greater chance of making a discovery with the examination. If you notice that there is something that is not normal, a lump, that the nipple changes shape or goes inward, that is a sign of possible cancer,” says Cañadas.

Prostate cancer is the second deadliest cancer, and it affects men. In 2020 there were 3,249 new cases and 1,272 deaths. Blood in the urine and loss of bladder control are two of the many symptoms that are evident with this disease.

“A urological check-up and the tumor marker, which is PSA (prostate specific antigen), should be done for any prostate pathology, benign or malignant. If we see that it is a prostate tumor, we must first do the surgery; then, the treatment, which is with hormonal castration; and later, the other modern drugs that we currently have and can use to maintain the patient without the need for us to reach a metastasis”, assures Ramos.

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Stomach cancer is the third most aggressive, and two years ago 2,472 cases were detected. In fact, it is the one that leads in deaths, with 2,007 deaths, above breast, prostate and lung cancer.. The majority affect men, with 1,451, and 1,021 women. “Everything is that we have a healthy life”, emphasizes Ramos, who adds that excessive consumption of smoked meat can lead to this diagnosis. For this reason, he recommends that if a person is over 45 years of age and has gastric discomfort, he should consult a specialist.

Feeling that the bowel is not emptying completely or that there is blood in the stool are signs of a colon cancer, the fourth deadliest in Ecuador. In the twelve months of 2020 there were 1,795 people with that disease and 984 lost their lives. “If you have periods of diarrhea, stress, that the thickness of the provisions has changed, you should go to the doctor,” says Ramos.

Meanwhile, in fifth position as one of the most frequent cancers is that of thyroid, by which malignant cells are formed in the tissues of the thyroid gland. There are 1,685 cases and 232 deaths. Signs of this disease include a swelling or lump in the neck.

This is followed by cancer cervix, which in advanced stages can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. He recorded 1,534 cases and 813 deaths. In regards to women, it is the second most frequent, behind breast cancer..

“The pap smear continues to be the cornerstone in screening for any malignant cell. And in terms of prevention, well, avoid promiscuity, have sexual relations after the age of 20”, comments the clinical oncologist from Solca.

The last four most aggressive cancers in the top 10 are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, lung and liver. Of the first there are 1,477 cases and 731 deaths in 2020. leukemia it was detected in 1,199 people and there were 897 deaths.

Lung cancer, according to Castañas, is the one that is diagnosed late, because it does not give symptoms at the beginning. “When they arrive for consultations, they arrive advanced. The diagnosis is possible, but the treatment is no longer better than it could have been. This is one of the most aggressive, due to the difficulty of detection”, mentions the doctor.

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Ramos points out that everyone knows that smoking is bad, but they make the mistake of thinking that this is the only cause, and he assures that it is not. “There are tumors due to work risk, such as at gas stations, Petroleum. Insecticides, which must have greater protection. We see in the field that they fumigate and the employees do not have protection, or also because of the hereditary part”, explains Ramos.

And finally, the liver cancer ranks tenth, with 915 cases and 880 deaths. Here most people do not have signs in the early stages of primary cancer; but, when they occur, there is evidence of weight loss, loss of appetite, pain in the upper part of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

“You have to have a healthy life: don’t smoke, drink in moderation, exercise. You have to learn to listen to your body. Anything abnormal for us, such as a lump, bleeding, gastric discomfort, should be consulted by a specialist”, says Ramos. (YO)