Let's learn more about cancer screening. Don't be afraid, let's talk!

Have you ever thought that there are ways to detect a serious disease like cancer before it even develops in our bodies, that is, before any symptoms appear? That's what we call cancer screening . Simply put, it's like catching a thief before he breaks into your house. If you detect it early, it's easier to treat, and sometimes you can completely cure cancer or prevent it from developing.

So, when is this cancer screening done? For whom?

This often depends on your age and whether you have any particular risk factors for developing cancer. Most people start thinking about getting cancer screenings after the age of 40. However, if you have a family history of cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend you get screened earlier.

In countries like America, there are expert committees like the ``US Preventive Services Task Force'' that prepare guidelines for these cancer tests. They study carefully how effective and safe these tests are, and whether they actually save people's lives. They only recommend a test if it is proven that the benefits of a test clearly outweigh any possible harm .

What are the advantages and disadvantages of these tests?

Imagine, the biggest advantage of these tests is that if there is cancer, it can be detected at a very early stage . Then, treatment can be started before the cancer grows and spreads to other parts of the body. This greatly increases the ability to cure cancer, and it can also extend life. Sometimes, these tests can even detect precancerous changes that may develop into cancer. Then, there is an opportunity to prevent cancer before it develops.

On the other hand, although very rare, there are some risks. For example, a test result can be inaccurate (`inaccurate test results`). That is, there is a small chance that someone who does not have the disease may be shown to have the disease (`false positive`), and that someone who does have the disease may be shown to not have the disease (`false negative`). Also, there is a possibility of something called ``overdiagnosis``. That is, you may be diagnosed with a very slow-growing cancer that you will not have in the future, and you may be treated for it unnecessarily. But these things happen very rarely. Doctors take all of these factors into account when deciding which tests are best for you.

Remember: The main goal of cancer screening is to catch cancer early. This can go a long way in saving lives.

What cancer tests are generally recommended?

There are three main types of cancer screenings that are recommended for people at average risk, meaning they don't have a specific family history:

• Tests for breast cancer
• Tests for cervical cancer
• Tests for colon cancer (bowel cancer)

Research has shown that the benefits of screening for these types of cancer far outweigh the potential risks. They truly save lives.

1. Breast Cancer Screenings

Women at average risk should start breast cancer screening after age 40. Current guidelines recommend that women get a mammogram every two years . A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. It can detect small lumps or other changes in the breast before symptoms appear. This has helped reduce breast cancer mortality.

If you think you are at higher than average risk of developing breast cancer (for example, if someone in your family has had it at a young age), your doctor may recommend that you have more frequent screenings or that you have other tests, such as a breast MRI, in addition to a mammogram.

2. Cervical Cancer Screenings

Cervical cancer screening should usually begin at age 21. These tests not only detect cervical cancer early, but also detect cell changes that can lead to cancer, called cervical dysplasia . They can also detect infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer.

Two types of tests are mainly used for cervical cancer:

• Pap smear: This involves examining a sample of cells from the cervix under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells or pre-cancerous cells.
• HPV test: This checks for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer.

The current recommended guidelines are as follows:

• Ages 21-29: One Pap smear every three years.
• Ages 30-65: Co-testing with a Pap smear and HPV test every five years, or just a Pap smear every three years, or just an HPV test every five years.

Your doctor will tell you which method is best for you.

3. Colon Cancer Screenings

It is important for people at average risk to start getting screened for colon cancer after the age of 45. This cancer is also a leading cause of death. But if detected early, it can be cured. These tests can detect and remove small growths (polyps) that may develop into cancer, and they can also be used to remove non-cancerous growths. In other words, these tests can even prevent colon cancer from developing!

A colonoscopy is often recommended every 10 years . A colonoscopy is a complete examination of the large intestine using a tube with a camera attached.

There are other ways:

• Fecal occult blood tests (e.g. FIT, gFOBT or stool DNA test) - These are usually done every one to three years, depending on the type of test.
• Virtual colonoscopy - every five years.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy - every five years.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years and annual FIT test.

What other cancer tests are being discussed?

There are several other types of cancer tests that you can talk to your doctor about. Some tests may be helpful for some people, but they may not be right for everyone. Or, there may not be enough evidence yet to show that the benefits of those tests outweigh the risks.

• Lung cancer screening: This is an imaging procedure, similar to a scan. Your doctor may recommend this if you are between 50 and 80 years old and have a history of smoking (currently smoking or recently quit).
• Oral cancer screening: A dentist will check your mouth for signs of cancer. Although there are no specific guidelines for this, your dentist may do this when you go for a dental checkup.
• Prostate cancer screening: Men are given a blood test called a PSA blood test to look for signs of prostate cancer. Your doctor will talk to you about this if you are between the ages of 55 and 69.
• Skin cancer screening: A dermatologist examines your skin to look for signs of cancer. Although there is no strong evidence that these tests reduce skin cancer deaths, many people get a full-body skin exam every year.

How are these cancer tests done?

Before you go for a test, your doctor or health care provider will tell you what will happen during the test, how you should prepare, and what the test results can and cannot tell you about your health.

Cancer screenings can include different types of tests:

• Physical examination: A doctor will check your body for any changes, such as unusual lumps. They will ask questions about your health habits and family health history.
• Imaging tests: These take pictures of the inside of the body. Mammograms and colonoscopy are imaging tests used to screen for cancer.
• Lab tests: These may include blood tests and tissue tests for cancer. A Pap smear is a laboratory test that takes a tissue sample and looks for signs of cancer.
• Genetic tests: These tests check your DNA to see if you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk of cancer. These are only done in special cases.

Let's also learn about new tests: Multiple Cancer Detection (MCD) tests

A new blood test called the Galleri test is emerging. It is said to be able to detect more than 50 types of cancer at once. However, it has not yet been approved for general use by agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are interested in this type of test, you can talk to a doctor to learn more.

What does a cancer test result mean?

A cancer test looks for changes in your body that could be signs of cancer. The test result is not a `diagnosis` of cancer, nor is it a guarantee that you do not have cancer. Sometimes, cancer tests can give abnormal results. If that happens, your doctor may recommend more tests. Just like the initial test, having additional tests does not mean that you have cancer.

When will I know the test results?

Some tests can take a few days to get results. Others can take up to a week for the doctor to get the results and tell you. You can ask the place where you got the test or your doctor about the time it takes to get the results.

What happens if my test shows signs of cancer?

The first thing to remember is that a screening test is not a diagnosis. If your results show signs of cancer, your doctor will do more tests to find out more about what's really going on. Also, just because a test doesn't show signs of cancer doesn't mean you're completely healthy. Cancer starts small, and can sometimes grow very slowly. So, ask your doctor when you should have your next test.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you are unsure about what tests you should have, talk to your doctor. This is especially true if you are at high risk for cancer or have had previous surgery (such as a hysterectomy) that may affect your cancer prevention plan.

Some questions you can ask:

• "What cancer tests does the doctor recommend for me?"
• "Why does the doctor recommend those tests?"
• "Do you need to do these tests quickly?"
• "Can the doctor do these tests himself, or should I see a specialist?"
• "Are there any tests that can be done at home?"
• "How often should I have these tests?"

Cancer screenings can detect early warning signs of cancer. Although early detection and treatment of cancer increases the chances of a cure, the whole process can be a bit scary and anxiety-inducing. So, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about the cancer tests that might be helpful for you. They will be happy to explain what each test looks for, how the tests are performed, and how the results will be communicated to you.

Knowing in advance what to expect can bring a lot of peace of mind as you face your first cancer screening experience.

Finally, take-home message

Okay, so here's a summary to help you remember some of the most important points from what we've talked about:

• Cancer screening is a test that detects cancer before symptoms appear. These tests can help catch cancer early.
• Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment, and may even prevent the cancer from developing.
• Your age and risk factors determine which tests you should have and when.
• Screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer are most commonly recommended.
• A test result is not a final diagnosis. If an abnormal result is found, further testing may be necessary.
• Talk openly with your doctor about what tests are right for you and how you should get them done. Don't be afraid or embarrassed.

I hope this information is useful to you. Such awareness is very important for a healthy life!

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