Spot Cancer Early: Key Tests and Symptoms

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Early cancer detection is vital for survival and treatment.
@thegreenthumbmum shares advice from her own cancer journey.
Cancer cases are rising in India, posing public health challenge.
Don’t ignore certain symptoms; consult your doctor promptly.
Regular screening can detect cancer in its early stages.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Spot Cancer Before It Spots You: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore, Tests You Must Take

Have you ever Googled your symptoms and got a ‘mini heart attack’ when the answer indicates cancer? You are not alone. But it is better to be safe than sorry. Read on to know more about must-do tests for early detection of cancer. Early cancer detection can significantly improve outcomes.

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“Your best chance of overcoming this disease is by finding it early,” shared a social media influencer diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, 10 months after her symptoms first appeared. Timely cancer screening is crucial.

Don’t Ignore the Symptoms

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Tess, better known as @thegreenthumbmum on social media, urged people to pay close attention to their bodies as she believes ‘early detection is the best form of cure’. The mother-of-two from Australia recalled experiencing persistent warning signs such as extreme stomach cramping, blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, and anemia. Yet, despite multiple medical visits, she was misdiagnosed for nearly a year until her condition worsened significantly.

Cancer: A Global Challenge

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its impact is expected to rise due to factors like aging populations, lifestyle changes, and environmental influences. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022 alone, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were reported globally, with 9.7 million deaths. The cancer burden will increase by about 77% by 2050, further straining health systems, people, and communities.

Cancer Scenario in India

In India, cancer continues to be a major public health challenge. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), around 100 out of every 1 lakh people in the country are diagnosed with cancer each year. The estimated number of incidences of cancer cases was more than 14 lakhs in 2023 in India. The primary concerns remain low awareness, late diagnoses, and limited healthcare access. Prevention of cancer should be prioritised.

Consult a Doctor Immediately If You Notice Symptoms

According to two separate studies by Johns Hopkins and the National Cancer Control Programme, after noticing the below-mentioned signs and symptoms, one must connect with their doctor immediately.

A new lump or bump, or a lump or bump changing in appearance or size
Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body
Unexplained bruising
Unexplained or persistent pain
A change to your usual bowel or bladder habits
A new or changing cough
Changes on your skin: Changes in moles can also be cause for concern. Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or fingertips) is one symptom.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue
Fatigue or unexplained tiredness
Unexplained night sweats
Recurring fever

The Importance of Regular Screening

Dr. Shashi Rakheja, Senior Consultant in Preventive Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), highlighted the crucial role of regular screenings. “Many common cancers in India, such as oral, cervical, breast, and lung cancers, can be prevented with better awareness, vaccination, and regular screenings,” she said. Regular cancer screening is very important.

She listed tests that should be done regularly for early detection of cancer:

Breast Cancer: Mammography and clinical breast examination by a doctor every 2-3 years. Start at 40 years for those at higher risk.
Lung Cancer: Low-dose CT scan (LDCT). Smokers should undergo an annual LDCT scan.
Oral Cancer: Clinical oral examination. An annual check-up by a doctor is important.
Cervical Cancer: Pap Smear and HPV DNA Testing. Start Pap smears at 21 years, every 3 years. HPV DNA testing can be done after 30 years.
Prostate Cancer: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Start at 50 years, every 2 years.
Colon Cancer: Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) for initial screening. Colonoscopy if FOBT is positive. Start at 50 years.
Ovarian Cancer: Transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 tumor marker test. Annually, especially for women over 50.
Uterine Cancer: Annual pelvic ultrasound for postmenopausal women.

Note: Noticing a symptom doesn’t mean you have cancer. But if you spot anything unusual for you, it’s important to talk to your doctor without delay.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember