Essential Guide To Types of Cancer Screenings 2023
Cancer screening is an important tool for individuals to detect early signs of cancer before symptoms appear. Dr Wong Siew Wei, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology shares more.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 individuals worldwide may develop cancer before the age of 75.
Cancer screening aims to help individuals detect cancer at an earlier stage or conditions that may lead to cancer before any symptoms appear. This makes it an effective tool for reducing cancer deaths, as cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is discovered at an early stage.
For example, as colorectal cancers typically evolve from colonic polyps over a few years, a colonoscopy—which is used as a colorectal cancer screening tool—may help prevent colorectal cancers through the detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
Types of cancer screening include physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging. Some cancer screening can also be done through self-examination at home e.g. breast self-examination.
In Singapore, the uptake of screening is suboptimal as illustrated in the following figure:
Healthy individuals can discuss additional individualised screening tests for prostate cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer and lung cancer with their doctors.
It is important to follow the recommendations for cancer screening. Regular screening gives you the best chance of detecting cancer early.
Essential Guide To Types of Cancer Screenings 2023 originally appeared on Parkway Cancer Centre
and has been republished with permission
Further Reading
The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Please see your doctor for professional advice.