Detecting cancer at an early stage means to identify the cancer before it produces symptoms. This can be challenging as cancer in its initial stages manifests in subtle symptoms which are missed or ignored. Some symptoms which may require further examination to rule out cancer are:
The proposed age to begin screening for breast cancer is 25 years. Women should know how their normal breast looks and should report if there is any variance in size, color, contours or shape. From the age of 40 women are advised to undergo a mammogram annually.
Tests
Breast Self ExaminationClinical Breast ExaminationMammogram – Digital X-ray of the breast is done which will detect non palpable lumps or early cancer.Breast UltrasoundBreast MRI scanBreast Biopsy/ FNAC
Types
In situ (Non- invasive) Breast Cancer – which have not spreadDuctal carcinoma in situLobular carcinoma in situInvasive (Infiltrating) Breast Cancer – which have spreadInvasive Ductal carcinomaInvasive Lobular carcinoma
Side Effects
pain at incision site after breast biopsy / over diagnosis
Regular screening is advised after the age of 45 yearsA colonoscopy is advised every 5 years after the age of 45 year.
Tests
Stool based testsFecal immunological test also known as immunological fecal occult blood test (iFOBT): This test will identify any hidden blood in the stool which is indicative of an intestinal abnormality.Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): This detects hidden blood in stool through a chemical reactionStool DNA test: will identify certain abnormal sections in the genes which are caused due to cancer.Visual TestsColonoscopy – every 5 yearsCT colonoscopyFlexible Sigmoidoscopy
Types
Adenocarcinoma : Most common type of cancerCarcinoid tumors : They begin from hormone-making cells in the colonGastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) : these tumors originate from the intestinal cells of Cajal, which line the colonLymphomas : Occur when there is cancer in the lymph nodes around the colonSarcomas : they begin in the blood vessels, muscle layers or other connective tissues surrounding the colon and rectum. they are a rare form of cancer in the colorectal region.
Side Effects
the visual tests will require full bowel preparation (enema)There may be some discomfort after the visual testsSince anaesthesia is used to perform the visual tests, there may be some drowsiness after the test is over.
yearly low dose CT scans are advised from 55 years onwards people who are in fairly good health and have smoked or quit smoking in the past 15 years.
Tests
Sputum Cytology: a test is done on the mucus that comes from your cough. For this test,three samples are required, early morning every day for three days.Chest X Ray: if there is something suspicious found in the x ray, the doctor may further recommend tests.CT Scan: A cross sectional image of the lung will help in detecting abnormalities in the lung.Biopsy: in case there is a node or a suspicious lesion which the doctor wishes to test further, this test will help to confirm the cells. The biopsy of the lung tissue is done using a bronchoscope.FNAC
Types
Non Small Cell Lung CancerSquamous cell carcinomaAdenocarcinomaSmall Cell Lung CancerLung Carcinoid Cancer
Side Effects
There are usually no side effects after any of the scans and x rays. During a bronchoscopy examination, the patient is usually sedated. there may be some pain, discomfort and drowsiness after the test is done.
Men in the age group of 50 years are at high risk of getting prostate cancer especially if they have a history of a first degree relative who has had prostate cancer at an early age.
Tests
Medical examination: urinary and sexual dysfunctionPhysical Examination: Digital rectal examinationProstate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test: used to screen for prostate cancer in men who have symptomsTransrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): A small probe is inserted into the rectum in order to visualize the prostate through ultrasound wavesProstate BiopsyTRUS guided biopsyFine Needle Aspiration: a thin hollow needle is inserted to the prostate for a sample for microscopic examinationCT ScanMRI
Types
Adenocarcinoma: cancer which develops from the gland cells
Side Effects
There may be slight discomfort after digital rectal examination Pain may be experienced after TRUS guided biopsy and fine needle biopsy
Women should start cervical cancer screenings by getting a Pap test at 21. The test should be taken every 3 years until 30. From 30 onwards, an HPV test should be taken along with the Pap test as well.
Tests
Pap Test – The pap test would detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including the cancer cellscancer cells and those cells that show changes, increasing the risk of cervicaland those cells that show changes, increasing the risk of cervical cancercancer
Types
Squamous cell carcinomas – Most common (9 out of 10); the cancers develop mostly in the transformation zone, where the exocervix joins the endocervix.Adenocarcinomas – The next common types growing in popularity over these recent decades; occurring in the mucus-producing glands of the endocervix.Adenosquamous carcinomas – Less common, having features of both the other types.
Side Effects
Mild discomfiture from the scraping or a bit of cramping
For those who have a history of tobacco chewing or smoking must get a regular check of the oral cavity done.
Tests
Clinical examination of the oral cavityIndirect pharyngoscope and laryngoscopeDirect (Flexible) pharyngoscope and laryngoscopePanendoscopyTissue biopsyExcisional biopsyFine Needle Aspiration biopsyExfoliative cytologyCT ScanMRI ScanBarium swallow
Types
Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch.Erythroplakia is a flat or slightly raised, red area that often bleeds easily if it’s scraped.Erythroleukoplakia is a patch with both red and white areas.Squamous cell carcinoma
Side Effects
Only incisional or FNAC biopsies may be painful. Other tests are non invasive and do not hurt.
Benefits of Screening Tests
The reassurance that the result are normal
Screening tests may help find changes in the body which could be cancerous if left untreated
Cancer screening will help to detect cancer in its early stages making it easier to treat
Earlier detection may mean less treatment needed and quicker healing
The sooner the cancer is detected, the greater the survival rate after treatment
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