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‘With bulging eyes and a bunch of loans’: oncologist describes the average cancer patient
Oncologists have described the portrait of the average Russian cancer patient. As a rule, these are people over 50 years old, with bulging eyes, they are overtired and experience financial difficulties, which significantly complicates access to quality medical care.
"This person is a man or woman over 50 years old. Usually, this is a person with bulging eyes, disheveled hair, a lot of work and a lot of loans. He is not ready for expensive treatment. He needs the cheapest treatment. Or he may refuse any treatment at all. Unfortunately, many people simply "forget about themselves," oncologist-immunologist Daniil Shchepelyaev told NEWS.ru in an interview.
In recent years, there have been changes in the structure of cancer incidence in Russia. According to Shchepelyaev, the number of malignant tumors of the genitals is increasing, while stomach and esophageal cancer are becoming less common. This is due to the increase in the standard of living and changes in the diet of Russians.
One of the main problems faced by cancer patients in Russia is access to quality treatment. Due to financial difficulties, most people cannot afford expensive treatment and often refuse it, which leads to late diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Patients with advanced forms of cancer often seek medical help. Many of them, especially women, are afraid to seek medical help, fearing to detect the disease. This leads to a loss of precious time and reduces the possibility of effective treatment.
Earlier it became known that the first stage of clinical trials of a new anti-cancer drug was completed in Russia. The drug, developed on the basis of a genetically modified oncolytic virus, has passed the initial stage of testing. As part of the clinical trials, the new anti-cancer vaccine will be tested for the first time on patients with melanoma and small cell lung cancer. This was reported by Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.