By Team SLG Hospitals by Ajeenkya DY Patil Healthcare

Cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages. In fact, some cancers can develop and grow for some time before a person notices anything unusual. This is why screening can be important. It can help detect certain cancers, or changes that may lead to cancer, before symptoms appear. According to the World Health Organization, many cancers have a high chance of cure when they are detected early and treated appropriately.
(Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer)

But screening does not mean everyone needs every test. The right screening plan depends on your age, sex, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors.

If you’re looking for the best cancer hospital in Hyderabad, SLG Hospitals by Ajeenkya DY Patil Healthcare can help you understand your screening options and when they may be appropriate.

WHAT DOES CANCER SCREENING ACTUALLY MEAN?

Cancer screening involves testing people who do not have symptoms to look for cancer or abnormal changes that may become cancerous. In some cases, screening can identify precancerous changes that can be treated before they develop into cancer.

Screening is different from diagnostic testing, which is used when someone already has symptoms such as an unexplained lump, persistent bleeding, or a long-lasting cough. Not every cancer has a reliable screening test, so the appropriate test depends on your age, risk factors, and medical history.

WHICH CANCERS CAN BE SCREENED FOR?

Screening is effective for some, but not all, types of cancer. The appropriate test, age to begin screening, and frequency can vary depending on the type of cancer and a person’s risk factors.

Some established screening approaches include:

• Breast cancer: Mammography is commonly used to screen for breast cancer. Women with a strong family history or certain genetic risk factors may need a different or earlier screening plan.
• Cervical cancer: HPV testing and Pap testing can help identify high-risk HPV infection or abnormal cervical cells that may lead to cervical cancer. Screening schedules vary by age and the test being used.
• Colorectal cancer: Screening can detect colorectal cancer as well as precancerous polyps. Depending on the person’s risk and the test used, options may include stool-based tests or colonoscopy.
• Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT screening may be recommended for people at higher risk because of their smoking history. It is not generally recommended as a routine screening test for everyone.
• Prostate cancer: PSA blood testing may be considered for some men, but screening decisions are individualised because an elevated PSA does not necessarily mean cancer.
• Oral cancer: Oral cancer is particularly significant in India. Screening and early detection generally involve risk assessment and clinical examination, rather than a standard population-wide screening test such as mammography or cervical screening.

In India, breast, cervical and lip/oral cavity cancers are among the most common cancers. Together, they account for about 34% of more than 1 million people diagnosed with cancer in India each year. This makes awareness of risk factors, early warning signs and appropriate screening or clinical examination particularly important.
(Source: https://www.iarc.who.int/reference/recommendations-for-screening-and-early-detection-of-common-cancers-in-india)

WHY IS CANCER SCREENING IMPORTANT?

Screening can help detect certain cancers or precancerous changes before symptoms appear. Finding cancer earlier may make treatment easier and, for some cancers, improve the chances of successful treatment. Some screening methods can also identify changes that can be treated before they develop into cancer, such as certain cervical and colorectal changes.
(Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer)

CAN YOU HAVE CANCER WITHOUT ANY SYMPTOMS?

Yes. Some early cancers may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is one reason screening can be useful. However, screening is not a substitute for paying attention to changes in your body. If you notice an unusual or persistent change, don’t wait for your next screening appointment.

Speak with a doctor if you notice:

• An unexplained lump or thickening
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• A sore that does not heal
• Persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits
• A cough or hoarseness that does not go away
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
• An unexplained change in a mole or skin lesion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent or unexplained pain

WHAT CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF CANCER?

• A strong family history of cancer
• A known inherited genetic mutation
• A previous history of cancer or precancerous changes
• A significant smoking history
• Certain long-term health conditions

CAN BLOOD TESTS ALONE DETECT CANCER EARLY?

Blood tests can play a role in cancer care, but they should not all be considered cancer screening tests.

Some blood tests, such as PSA, may be used to assess the risk of a particular cancer. Other markers, including CA-125, CEA, AFP, and CA 19-9, may be useful in specific clinical situations, but they are not reliable stand-alone screening tests for cancer in the general population.

HOW CAN YOU TAKE A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO CANCER?

Screening is only one part of reducing cancer risk. You can also take steps to protect your health by:

• Keeping up with age- and risk-appropriate screening
• Knowing your family history
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
• Paying attention to persistent or unusual changes in your body

EARLY SCREENING CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Cancer screening isn’t about expecting the worst. It is about being proactive about your health and giving yourself and your loved ones the best chance of finding certain cancers early, when treatment may be more effective. Knowing your family history and keeping up with recommended screenings can help you take that important step towards early detection. If you have been putting off a screening, this could be a good time to talk to a healthcare professional about which tests may be right for you.

At SLG Hospitals by Ajeenkya DY Patil Healthcare, experienced specialists and advanced diagnostic facilities support patients through screening, evaluation, and further care. If you’re looking for cancer screening near Nizampet or the best cancer hospital in Hyderabad, our team can help you understand which screening options may be appropriate for you or your loved ones and guide you through the next steps.