As in any disease, early diagnosis is of great importance in cancer treatment. Cancer screening, which aims to diagnose the disease before any symptoms occur, should not be neglected, especially by people in the risk group.
THE 4 MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS OF CANCER SCREENINGS
It is possible to evaluate cancer screenings under 4 main headings.
1-How is cancer screening done?
- physical examination
- lab tests
- Display methods
- genetic tests
2-Who is more suitable for cancer screening?
- Those with a family history of cancer
- Those with certain genetic disorders that may be associated with cancer
- Those who are exposed to tobacco use or chemicals that may cause cancer
- the elderly
3-For which cancers is regular screening recommended?
Breast Cancer: Screening with mammography has been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer-related deaths, especially in women between the ages of 40-70. In screening, annual breast examination is recommended between the ages of 25-39 and mammography together with breast examination is recommended for those over 40 years of age.
Cervical (cervical) cancer: HPV (human papillomavirus) test and PAP smear are the tests recommended to be done alone or together. It is recommended for those aged 21-29 to have a PAP smear test every three years, for those aged 30-64 to have a PAP smear test every year and an HPV test every 5 years. If there are no abnormal findings in the tests in the last ten years over the age of 65, it is considered that there is no need for screening.
Colorectal (large bowel) cancers: Stool tests (fecal occult blood and stool DNA test) and colonoscopy are tests used for screening and early diagnosis of bowel cancer. From the age of 45 onwards, it is recommended to have occult blood in the stool every year and a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Prostate cancer: From the age of 45, PSA (Prostate specific antigen) screening is performed together with the examination. However, it would be more appropriate to start screening at an earlier age for those with a family history of prostate cancer.
4 – What are the recommended cancer screenings in case of risk factors or symptoms?
Endometrial (uterine) cancer: Annual transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy are recommended.
Liver cancer: If you have chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, liver cirrhosis or a congenital liver disease, annual liver ultrasonography and AFP (Alpha feto protein) measurement will be appropriate.
Ovarian cancer: If you have a close relative with ovarian cancer or have BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations, annual transvaginal ultrasonography and CA 125 measurement are recommended.
Lung cancer: Low-dose computed tomography of the lungs should be taken for screening between the ages of 50-80 if smokers have smoked (1 pack for 20 years or 2 packs for 10 years) or if they have quit smoking in the last 15 years.