Regular Cancer Screening Test: A Guide to Early Diagnosis and Prevention

Dr.Parveen Jain, 3 mins read

Cancer is one of the most dreadful and deadliest diseases. However, improving screening facilities, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes have given us much respite. As we all know many times cancer develops and grows silently and produces noticeable symptoms at advanced stages, regular screenings play an important role in this.

Regular screenings help identify cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of regular cancer screening tests, the different types of screening tests available, and how to incorporate them into your healthcare routine.

Why are Regular Cancer Screening Tests Important?

• Early detection: Periodic cancer screening tests can identify cancer at its earliest stages, opening more treatment options.
• Prevent cancer: Some cancer screening tests, such as colonoscopy, can also help prevent cancer by removing pre-cancerous growths.
• Reduce mortality rates: Cancer screening tests can help reduce mortality rates by detecting cancer at an early stage, improving the treatment efficacy and outcome.
• Reduce the cost of treatment: Early detection opens the door to numerous treatment options, including minimally invasive ones, that reduce the burden of costly treatment.

Types of Cancer Screening Tests

Here are some common cancer screening tests you should consider after discussing with your doctor:

• Mammography: A mammography is an X-ray imaging test used to examine breasts for breast cancer.
• Pap test: A Pap test, also known as Pap Smear test or Papanicolaou test, involves gently removing the cells from and near the cervix surface using a small brush and then checking them under a microscope for cervical cancer.
  Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: An HPV test is often performed during a Pap smear test to check for high-risk types of human papillomavirus in cervical cells.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy uses a flexible tube called a colonoscope that is inserted into the colon. The tube has a camera and light that allow the doctor to check for any abnormalities in a screen. Sometimes the tube is also equipped with surgical tools to remove damaged tissues or clean the colon.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in a blood sample to check for prostate cancer and other prostate-related issues.
• Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan: An LDCT is a non-invasive scan similar to a CT scan but uses a low radiation dose to detect lung cancer.

Recommended Screening Guidelines

The following guidelines are general recommendations and may vary depending on individual risk factors and medical history. Consult with our oncology experts to determine the best screening schedule for you:

Breast cancer: Annual mammogram starting at age 45.
Cervical cancer: Pap test every 3 years starting at age 21. Pap test and HPV DNA testing every 5 years.
Colon cancer: Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50.
Prostate cancer: PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE) starting at age 50.
Lung cancer: LDCT scans every year starting at age 55.

Book an appointment now with our oncology experts to understand the risk factors and consider regular cancer screening tests for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.