It spots you before spot cancer: the signal you should not ignore you, you should take the test
Have you ever hummed your symptoms and when the answer indicates cancer, ‘mini heart attack’ has occurred? You are not alone. But it is better to be safe from sorry. Read to learn more about the tests for the initial detection of cancer.
“Your best opportunity to overcome the disease is to find it early,” shared a social media affected, who was detected Stage 4 Colon cancer, his symptoms 10 months after first appearing.
Tess, known as @Thegrenthumbmum on social media, urged people to focus on their bodies because she believes that ‘is the best look of initial detection’.
Australia’s mother-in-two, recalled extreme abdominal cramps, blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and frequent warning signs like anemia. Nevertheless, despite many medical visits, he was misunderstood for almost a year that his situation did not deteriorate.
Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide, and its effect is expected to increase due to factors such as aging population, lifestyle changes and environmental effects. In 2022 alone, about 20 million new cancer cases were reported globally with 9.7 million deaths. According to a report by the World Health Organization, the burden of cancer will increase by about 77% by 2050, more stressful to health systems, people and communities.
In India, cancer remains a major public health challenge. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), almost 100 out of every 1 lakh people in the country detect cancer every year. The estimated number of cancer cases in India in 2023 was more than 1.4 million. Primary concerns continue to reach low awareness, late diagnosis and limited healthcare access.
According to two separate studies by Johns Hopkins and National Cancer Control Program, someone should immediately join his doctor, taking into account the signs and symptoms given below.
- A new knot or bump, or a lump or bump is turning or changing into shape
- Unexplained weight loss
- Uninterrupted bleeding from any part of the body
- Unexplained injury
- Packed or persistent pain
- Your normal bowel or bladder habits
- A new or changing cough
- Changes on your skin: Changes in moles can also be a cause of concern. Jaundice (yellow of eyes or fingers) is a symptom.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or shaking your tongue
- Tiredness or unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained night sweating
- Recurring fever
Senior Advisor of Preventive Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center (RGCIRC). Shashi Rakja highlighted the important role of regular screening. “Many common cancer in India, such as oral, cervical, breast and lung cancer, can be prevented with better awareness, vaccination and regular screening,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of regular screening to help can help detect cancer in an early stage, he listed the tests that should be done regularly for early detection of cancer:
Breast cancer
Examination: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. Mammography and clinical breast examination by a doctor every 2-3 years for all individuals.
When: Starting 40 years for high risk people (family history, genetic tendency). Every 2-3 years between 40–50 years; From 50-75 years annually.
lung cancer
Examination: Low dose CT scan (ldct)
When: Smokers, even people under 30 or 40 years of age, who smoke about 20 cigarettes per day, should undergo an annual low -dose CT (LDCT) scan. LDCT is not a regular test, but it is recommended that if there is a known history of heavy smoking. In places like Delhi, where pollution is high, it can also be appropriate.
oral cancer
Examination: Clinical oral examination
When: For oral cancer, there is no specific screening test. The primary method is an oral examination, which should be done by a doctor. Whether you are a tobacco user, regular oral examinations are important. An annual check-up is usually sufficient for this. If any abnormalities are observed, doctors can conduct further tests, such as brush biopsy, which is done when there is a wound. However, if there are no visible lesions, leukoplakia, or erythroplacia, no additional test is required.
cervical cancer
tests: PAP Smeer and HPV DNA Testing (Co-Testing)
Pap smear: Start by 21 years, for 65 years for every 3 years.
HPV DNA test: For people aged 30 years and above, it can be done every 5 years with Pap smear. Alternatively, the pap smear can continue every 3 years.
When: HPV test is recommended only after the age of 30 years. Earlier, testing may cause more treatment, as 80% of cases where tests are positive, resolve on their own without intervention in young individuals. After 30, the HPV viral load naturally decreases, which is why the test is not advised before that age. While this is fine if someone is tested before 30, it is not usually recommended.
prostate cancer
Examination: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
When: Starting from 50 years, if there is no family history or symptom every 2 years. Annual screening if prostate is increased or if there are symptoms.
colon cancer
tests: Fecal secret blood test (fobt) for initial screening.
Colonoscopy if fobt is positive or if there is any family history or symptom.
When: Start 50 years for all individuals with family history of colon cancer. Fobt should be regularly performed, and colonoscopy is recommended if colon has symptoms or family history of cancer.
ovarian cancer
tests: Transvaginal ultrasound and CA -125 tumor marker test.
When: Annual. Usually for more than 50 women, especially after those menianism. Screening is not recommended regularly, as CA -125 may be normal in early stage ovarian cancer. However, if abnormalities are detected, further tests may be recommended.
Uterine cancer
Examination: Annual. Pelvic ultrasound for postmenopausal women. If ultrasound indicates any abnormality, further steps such as endometrial biopsy may be necessary.
Note: Notoring a symptom does not mean that you have cancer. But if you do anything that is uncommon for you, then it is important to talk to your doctor without delay.
