World Cancer Day – What to Know About Cancer Screening and Treatment Options

Cancer screening helps detect cancer early—often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows doctors to start treatment sooner, which improves outcomes. Screening can also identify pre-cancerous conditions, allowing timely treatment to prevent cancer from developing.

Who Should Go for Screening?

People are encouraged to undergo screening for common cancers such as colorectal cancer.

Those with a cervix who are sexually active should go for cervical cancer screening, while individuals aged 40 and above should begin breast cancer screening.

From around age 30, individuals may also perform Breast Self-Examination (BSE) to notice any unusual changes.

Doctors may recommend additional screening based on personal risk factors. These may include:

• Lung cancer (especially for former smokers)

• Stomach cancer

• Liver cancer

• Prostate cancer

Principles for Cancer Screening

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that cancer screening programmes follow these key principles:

• Screening should target important health conditions with serious consequences

• Tests must be reliable and should not cause unnecessary harm

• Effective treatment should be available for conditions detected early

Choosing the Right Screening Tests

Some screening tests—such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies—are backed by strong scientific evidence.

However, not all tests provide clear benefits. Some may lead to unnecessary stress, false positives, or even physical harm.

Always consult a trusted doctor before proceeding with any screening test to ensure it suits your individual risk profile.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doctors use two main methods to screen for colorectal cancer:

1. Stool Test

A stool test checks for hidden blood in your faeces. Blood may indicate bleeding in the digestive tract, which can result from:

• Polyps

• Haemorrhoids

• Ulcers

• Inflammation

• Colorectal cancer

If the test detects blood, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. However, a negative result does not completely rule out cancer.

2. Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the colon and rectum directly. This method is more sensitive and can detect abnormalities more accurately.

People aged 45 and above, or those with a family history, should consider regular screening.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breast cancer screening typically involves:

1. Mammogram

A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to detect early signs of breast cancer.

2. Ultrasound Scan

Doctors use ultrasound to examine breast lumps or abnormalities detected during physical checks or mammograms.

Screening Frequency

• Ages 40–49: annually

• Ages 50 and above: every two years

Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates.

CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cervical cancer screening includes:

1. Pap Smear Test

This test detects abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous.

2. HPV Test

The HPV test identifies high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus that may lead to cervical cancer.

These tests are often performed together to improve detection accuracy. If results show abnormalities, a specialist will recommend appropriate follow-up care.

Final Takeaway

Cancer screening is a powerful preventive tool. By detecting disease early—or even before it develops—individuals can take proactive steps toward better health outcomes.

Speak with your doctor to determine which screening tests are appropriate for you based on your age, lifestyle, and risk factors. PRIME