Approximately 376,000 people nationwide are suffering from cancer. The number of new cases is around 42,000 annually, during this period about 20,000 people die. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of survival. Early detection examinations can lead to cancer being detected and treated in its early stages. The Austrian Medical Association (ÖAK) reminded of this on the occasion of World Cancer Day on Tuesday.

"I appeal to the population to take advantage of the free preventive services offered by doctors annually," emphasized Johannes Steinhart, President of the Medical Association. Preventive examinations should be carried out for colon and prostate from 45 and for the breast from 40 years onwards, as more and more people are getting cancer at an earlier age.

Increase in Cancer Patients

The ever-increasing number of cancer patients is also putting a strain on the Austrian health system. There is a need for more doctors in oncology, as well as an expansion of certified centers that specialize in individual types of cancer, says Paul Sevelda, head of the Karl Landsteiner Institute for Gynecological Oncology and Senology and President of the Austrian Cancer Aid. Sevelda sees a need for centers for prostate, lung, colon, or pancreatic cancer. A possible relief for the health system could be so-called Cancer Nurses, who can improve the care of cancer patients with their professional knowledge, says Sevelda.

Many types of cancer can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. This includes sufficient exercise and not smoking. Another preventive measure is the HPV vaccination. Until the end of 2025, this vaccination is free for everyone under 30.

Various Initiatives

In Austria, there are various initiatives dedicated to the research and better treatment of various types of cancer. The "DART2OS" project of the Fund for the Promotion of Scientific Research is dedicated to the better treatment of osteosarcomas, an aggressive form of bone cancer, which accounts for about three percent of all cancers in children. The Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Network serves for the exchange of the medical universities of Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz and the Medical Faculty of Linz. The Cancer Mission of Horizon Europe promotes the exchange of medical universities and non-university research institutions, actors of the health system and affected patients.

(APA/Red)

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