Cancer Screening

Overview

Cancer screening is a way to check cancer before you have any symptoms. The goal is to find cancer early, when treatment is more likely to work. Some screening tests can also find changes that could become cancer, so they can be treated before they start.

Screening is a routine part of healthcare in many countries. Programs like bowel, breast, and cervical screening have helped reduce deaths from these cancers.

It affects adults at certain ages. For example, screening is usually offered to people over 50 for bowel and breast cancer and to people aged 25 to 64 for cervical cancer. Your doctor can tell you which checks you might need.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Unexplained weight loss
• A new lump or swelling anywhere on your body
• Changes in a mole: shape, color, or size
• Unusual bleeding or discharge, such as blood in your stool, urine, or after menopause
• A cough that lasts more than three weeks or coughing up blood
• Persistent difficulty swallowing or indigestion

Symptoms in children

• Children are not usually part of cancer screening programs. If a child has unusual symptoms that worry you, talk to a pediatrician.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can still benefit from some screening, but it depends on overall health and life expectancy. Your doctor will help weigh the benefits and risks.

Causes

Main causes

• Cancer starts when cells grow out of control. It is caused by changes (mutations) in a cell's DNA.
• Many factors can increase the chance of these changes.

Risk factors

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol
• Obesity
• Certain infections, such as HPV and hepatitis B
• UV radiation from sun or tanning beds
• Family history of cancer
• Certain workplace exposures, like asbestos

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A new lump or swelling that is growing quickly
• Blood in your pee or stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• A cough that lasts more than three weeks or coughing up blood

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your doctor about when to start screening based on your age, sex, and risk factors.
• Ask about screening if you have a family history of cancer.
• If you have any worrying symptom, even if it is mild, it is best to get it checked.

Diagnosis

If screening shows a possible problem, your doctor will do more tests to find out if cancer is present. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging scans like CT or MRI
• Endoscopy for bowel or stomach
• Biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue)
• Blood tests

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain each procedure and what you might feel. Many tests are quick. You will usually get results within a few weeks.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination. Your care team will tailor the plan to you.

Self-care at home

• Ask your doctor to explain your treatment plan and what you can do to feel better
• Get support from family, friends, or a counselor
• Keep a record of your appointments and medicines
• Tell your doctor about any side effects right away

Medical treatments

Medical treatments include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Your oncologist will discuss specific options and their benefits and risks.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often used when cancer is in one area and has not spread. It may be done to remove the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it.

Living with this condition

Living with cancer or worry about cancer can be overwhelming. Take one step at a time and keep communicating with your care team.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to stay active within your limits
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains
• Get enough rest and manage stress with relaxation or mindfulness

Diet and exercise

Aim for a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Gentle exercise like walking can help energy, mood, and sleep. Always check with your doctor before starting a new activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis or even the process of screening can cause anxiety, fear, or sadness. These feelings are normal. Talk to your doctor about mental health support if you need it.

Prevention

Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors and getting regular screening. Screening can detect cancer early or find precancerous changes that can be treated before cancer develops.

Vaccines

Some vaccines reduce the risk of certain cancers. The HPV vaccine helps protect against cervical, mouth, and other cancers. The hepatitis B vaccine can help protect against liver cancer. Ask your doctor if these vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

Screening is a key part of prevention. Regular checks like mammograms, cervical smears, and bowel tests can find early signs of cancer, making treatment simpler and more effective. Ask your doctor when to begin and how often.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a cancer is not treated, it can grow into surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
• It can cause symptoms that affect daily life, such as pain, tiredness, or blocked organs.
• In the later stages, cancer can become harder to treat and may be life-threatening.

Long-term outlook

Many cancers are curable, especially when found early. Even advanced cancers can often be managed well for years. Screening improves your chance of early detection, and treatments keep improving.

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