Well Being

  Over 600,000 people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer globally every year. Are you aware of the warning signs? Why Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer Matters Esophageal cancer, though less common than other cancers, is particularly deadly due to late detection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 5-year survival rate remains under 20% in many countries, largely because symptoms often appear only in advanced stages. There are two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, each with different risk factors and patterns. The esophagus connects the throat to the stomach, making it vital for swallowing and digestion. When a tumor forms in this area, it can block or narrow the passage, leading to symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or unintended weight loss. A 2023 study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology emphasized that early-stage detection through endoscopy improves survival significantly—up to 80% when diagnosed...

  Every year, thousands face adrenal cancer without warning. Are you prepared to detect it early? What Is Adrenal Cancer? Adrenal cancer is a rare but aggressive malignancy that starts in the adrenal glands—small organs above the kidneys responsible for producing hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone. According to the American Cancer Society, about 200 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, with many detected at an advanced stage. While rare, adrenal cancer is often serious due to its hormone-disrupting nature and late diagnosis. Unlike more common cancers, adrenal cancer often flies under the radar. Tumors can go unnoticed until they grow large or start overproducing hormones, triggering symptoms like high blood pressure, sudden weight gain, or muscle weakness. In some cases, tumors are found incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions. Early detection is key. A study published in The Lancet Oncology (2022) emphasized the importance of recognizing ho...

  Every year, over 2.2 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer globally. Are you taking steps to protect yourself and your family? Why Early Detection Matters Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually (WHO, 2024). What makes it particularly dangerous is its silent progression—early-stage lung cancer rarely shows symptoms, which leads to late diagnoses and limited treatment options. According to the National Cancer Center Korea (2023), early-stage lung cancer has a 5-year survival rate of up to 68%, compared to only 6% in late stages. This stark contrast underscores the importance of regular screening, especially for high-risk groups such as long-term smokers or those exposed to environmental toxins. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is currently the most effective tool for early lung cancer detection. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021) recommends annual LDCT screening for adults aged 50–80 year...

  Every year, over 900,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer globally. Are you aware of your risk? Why Early Detection of Liver Cancer Matters Liver cancer often develops silently. By the time symptoms appear—such as weight loss, jaundice, or abdominal pain—the disease may have progressed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. However, when detected early, treatment options expand, and survival rates significantly improve. In Korea, the 5-year survival rate for liver cancer detected at an early stage is over 50%, but it drops below 15% for late-stage diagnoses (National Cancer Center Korea, 2023). Early detection begins with awareness. People with hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, or heavy alcohol consumption history should receive regular screening. Ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests every 6 months are currently recommended for high-risk individuals. These tests are rela...

  Every year, over 377,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer worldwide. Could it be silently developing in you? Knowing the risks and taking action early can make a critical difference. Why Early Detection Matters Oral cancer often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 5-year survival rate exceeds 80% when oral cancer is detected early, but drops below 50% in later stages. Unfortunately, more than half of oral cancer cases are diagnosed late. Early signs are subtle—persistent mouth sores, lumps, or difficulty swallowing. These may be mistaken for minor issues, but if they persist beyond two weeks, they should be examined by a dental or medical professional. The National Cancer Institute recommends that people over 40—especially smokers, heavy drinkers, or those with a history of HPV infection—undergo regular oral screenings. These are quick, painless checks that can be done during routine dental visits. Key Symp...