Medical experts described cancer as a silent disease that often evolves for years without producing symptoms before a diagnosis is made [1].
This lack of early warning signs makes the disease particularly dangerous, as it allows cancer cells to develop unnoticed. Understanding this progression is critical for improving screening rates and implementing effective preventive measures to save lives.
During a program on CNN Brasil’s #SinaisVitais channel, host Dr. Roberto Kalil spoke with Prof. Paulo Hoff, director of the Institute of Cancer State of São Paulo (ICESP), and clinical oncologist Dra. Maria Ignez Braghiroli [1]. The specialists said the biological nature of the disease and its asymptomatic onset complicate medical intervention.
The scale of the challenge is reflected in recent projections for Brazil. An estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases are expected between 2026 and 2028 [2]. This represents an increase of 230,000 cases compared to the previous three-year period [2].
The experts said that the silent nature of cancer is not unique to oncology. For example, renal disease is also considered a global public health problem that affects approximately 10% of the population [3].
Preventive strategies discussed by the specialists focused on awareness and regular screening. Because the disease does not signal its presence through pain or visible changes in the early stages, the experts said that proactive medical checkups are the most reliable way to detect malignancies before they advance.
“Cancer is described as a "silent disease" because it often evolves for years without symptoms”
The rising projection of cancer cases in Brazil, combined with the asymptomatic nature of early-stage tumors, indicates a growing need for systemic shifts in public health. By framing cancer as a silent disease, health officials aim to move the public away from a reactive healthcare model—where patients seek help only when symptoms appear—toward a preventative model based on scheduled screenings.
