In Ukraine, amid the war, the number of neglected cancer cases is increasing. People are paying less and less attention to their health due to the lack of opportunities for examinations and treatment. As medical experts note, this leads to the fact that patients seek help in the late stages of the disease, which complicates treatment and increases the cost of therapy.
Neglected diseases and their consequences
Oncologist Olga Ponomareva notes that military personnel who receive medical care in a fragmented manner become particularly vulnerable. In Ukraine, there is a significant gap in early detection of cancer compared to other countries. Many patients arrive with inoperable forms of cancer, which complicates their treatment.
The impact of stress on oncology
Chronic stress, according to Ponomareva, can be a catalyst for the development of cancer. Mental overexertion depletes the body's defense system, which in turn can lead to changes in metabolism and the development of type II diabetes, which is associated with the risks of estrogen-dependent cancers.
The spread of "female" cancer
Professor Alexei Kovalev emphasizes that military actions contribute to the spread of viruses and bacteria. For example, after the Vietnam War, the incidence of cervical cancer in women increased by 300%. Today it is known that this is associated with the human papillomavirus. Despite the positive impact of vaccination, the overall situation with the prevention of cancer remains difficult.
Lung cancer growth
Lung cancer is becoming increasingly common among military personnel and civilians in combat zones. Alexey Kovalev explains that the causes are carcinogenic substances released during fires and other destructive processes.
Depression and treatment refusal
Oncologist Natalia Zaliznyak draws attention to the fact that a difficult psychological state and depression lead to the fact that patients often refuse treatment. This negatively affects the prognosis of the disease. During the war, people are prone to bad habits, such as overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol and limiting physical activity, which also contributes to the deterioration of their health.
