Cancer

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells that may affect almost any tissue of the body. Breast, prostate, lung, colorectal and stomach cancer are among the most common cancers in the world for both men and women. Among men, prostate, lung and stomach cancer are the most common cancers worldwide. For women, the most common are breast and cervical cancers. We now know enough about the causes of cancer to prevent at least one-third of all cancers. Cancer is largely preventable: by not smoking, providing low fat healthy food and avoiding the exposure to carcinogens. Some of the most frequent cancer types are curable by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The chances of cure increase substantially if a cancer is detected early and prompt treatment is given. As it was revealed in most developing countries, the population has no access to early detection or screening programs, and patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. For the majority, diagnosis and treatment come too late.  It is estimated that one third of these cancers would be curable if the diagnosis were made earlier enough and adequate treatment provided. The activities of the Georgian Telemedicine Union (Association) in this field are targeted to pathologists, cytologists, cancer registrars and other health care providers.

Georgian Telemedicine Union (Association) could open up major advantages to the oncological community:

• A second opinion on histological slides can be given in a simple and fast way, which leads to a higher diagnostic accuracy for the patient and physician.
• Due to the rapid exchange of data and images, the union will contribute to a shorter time of patient's hospitalization.
• Georgian Telemedicine Union (Association) can help to introduce new diagnostic standards and new technologies in a rapid way in Georgia.

Georgian Telemedicine Union (Association) is now implementing pilot project teleoncology