Denizli Private Egekent Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Ahmet Bilge emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, personalized screening methods, and regular patient follow-up in the fight against cancer.
Personalized Planning in Cancer Screening Methods
Today, internal medicine units guide patients in cancer screenings with more personalized approaches. Screening decisions are made by considering the patient’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy for individuals over 50, and annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for those at risk.
Lung cancer screening: Annual low-dose computed tomography for individuals aged 50–80 with a history of long-term smoking.
Breast cancer screening: Mammography every two years for women over 40.
These screenings are conducted by the Internal Medicine Department of Egekent Hospital, in collaboration with radiology and oncology specialists.
The Importance of Creating a Risk Profile in Early Diagnosis
Dr. Ahmet Bilge states, “The same approach cannot be applied to every patient,” emphasizing the importance of creating a personalized risk profile with advanced imaging techniques and biomarkers. This ensures the right screening is performed at the right time.
Roadmap After Screening
Post-screening planning is as critical as diagnosis itself. Screenings are conducted more frequently in high-risk individuals, while unnecessary tests are avoided in low-risk individuals. This preserves both patient comfort and healthcare resources.
The Role of Patient Follow-Up in Cancer Treatment
Regular patient follow-up is considered the silent hero of the treatment process. This includes:
Monitoring treatment response
Managing side effects
Supporting lifestyle changes
are among the priorities.
In the first two years, check-ups are usually scheduled every 3 months, and in subsequent years, they are planned according to the patient’s condition and biomarker results. When necessary, imaging methods are also used for support.