The number of cancer cases is rising globally, and many are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited and survival rates are low.
Early detection through screening can identify cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for more effective treatment and significantly reducing mortality.
Why Should I Get Screening Tests Done?
Most cancers do not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time symptoms develop, the cancer may have spread, making it harder to treat.
Screening helps detect cancer early or even prevent it by finding precancerous changes (like polyps in the colon or abnormal cervical cells).
Proven benefits include reduced deaths from:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Lung cancer (in high-risk individuals)
- Prostate cancer (controversial, but useful in select cases)
Types of Cancer Screening Tests
Each cancer has specific screening tools. Some cancers currently lack effective screening methods.
Breast Cancer
- Mammography: Low-dose X-ray imaging. Best method for early detection. Recommended annually or biennially depending on age and risk.
- Clinical Breast Exam: Physical examination by a healthcare provider.
- Breast Self-Exam: Women can monitor for changes. About 40% of breast cancers are first detected this way.
- Breast MRI: Used for high-risk women (e.g., BRCA carriers, dense breasts), often with mammography.
Cervical Cancer
- Pap Test: Collects cervical cells to check for abnormalities.
- HPV Testing: Detects high-risk human papillomavirus strains that cause cervical cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
- Colonoscopy
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- Stool DNA Tests
Lung Cancer
- Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT): Recommended for current or former heavy smokers aged 50–80.
Prostate Cancer
- PSA Test: Measures prostate-specific antigen in blood.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Physical exam of the prostate.
How Can I Get Screened?
Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors (family history, lifestyle, age) and which screenings are right for you. Many tests are covered by insurance or available through public health programs.
Risks of Screening
While beneficial, screening has potential downsides:
- False positives (test suggests cancer when none exists)
- False negatives (misses existing cancer)
- Overdiagnosis (detecting slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm)
- Anxiety and unnecessary procedures
Discuss these with your doctor to make an informed decision.
Criteria for Screening Recommendation
Screening is most effective when:
- The cancer is common and serious.
- There’s a detectable early stage.
- Treatment is more effective in early stages.
- The test is accurate, safe, and accessible.
With rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes in India, focusing on cancer prevention and effective screening programs is crucial. Government and non-government organizations play a key role in spreading awareness and improving access.