Cancer cases have been on the rise in India with about 12 lakh new cancer cases and 9.3 lakh deaths in 2019. A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal revealed the data and stated that India is emerging as the second-highest contributor to the disease burden in Asia.
It becomes important to go through regular screenings and tests. Early detection of any form of cancer is significant as it can help in early and easier treatment. It plays a crucial role in saving lives and it gives individuals the power to take control of their health. Screenings aim at detecting cancer before it causes symptoms and when it can be easier to treat successfully.
A successful screening test is characterised by its ability to detect cancer in its early stages, thereby increasing the likelihood of early intervention and treatment. It should significantly lower the probability of death from the disease for individuals undergoing regular screening. Additionally, the test should demonstrate a higher ratio of advantages over potential drawbacks. These drawbacks may encompass physical harm such as bleeding, false-positive or false-negative test outcomes, and the concept of overdiagnosis, which involves diagnosing cancers that would not have posed health issues and did not require treatment.
Here are some major tests that one should undergo and are recommended by health experts:
- Breast cancer Screening
Women must know the usual appearance of their breasts and must report or consult a health specialist if they notice any changes. Screening mammography has proved to reduce deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74, particularly those between 50 to 69. Health experts recommend that screening start at age 50 for women.
- Cervical Cancer Screening
The recommended cervical cancer screening tests include Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests and Pap tests, which can be utilized either independently or in conjunction. These tests aid in preventing the disease by enabling the detection and treatment of abnormal cells before they progress into cancer.
Typically, expert groups advise initiating these tests at age 21 and discontinuing at age 65, specifically for women who have undergone sufficient prior screenings and do not possess other significant risk factors for cervical cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
Numerous screening methods, such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool tests like high-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests and stool DNA tests, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the mortality risk associated with colorectal cancer. Not only do colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy aid in early colorectal cancer detection, but they also contribute to preventing the disease’s onset. These tests can identify abnormal colon growths (polyps) that could potentially transform into cancer, thereby allowing for their removal before they become malignant.
According to expert recommendations, individuals at an average risk for colorectal cancer should undergo screening using one of these methods between the ages of 45 or 50 through 75.
- Lung Cancer Screening
Studies have indicated that low-dose helical computed tomography (CT), a specific CT scan type, can lower the mortality rate associated with lung cancer, particularly among individuals with a history of heavy smoking.
Expert groups typically advocate for screening individuals who are current or former heavy smokers, advising screening between the ages of 50 to 80.
- Prostrate Cancer Screening
Men with higher-than-average risk for prostate cancer, including African American men and those with close family members who had prostate cancer before age 65, should discuss with a doctor about testing uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits starting at age 45. If there’s a history of more than one close relative with prostate cancer before age 65, they should consider discussing testing at age 40. For men at average risk, these discussions should begin at age 50. Decisions regarding prostate cancer testing should be based on overall health status rather than age alone, with men expecting to live at least 10 more years advised to have these discussions with a healthcare provider.
