Preventive care and cancer
Millions of people around the world die from cancer every year. But, it is not an incurable disease. If caught early, cancer can be treated at a fraction of the cost of more aggressive treatments. One way to catch cancer early is to opt for regular screening tests. Many types of screening can detect cancer even before a patient has symptoms. Routine screening tests can help diagnose diseases of the breast, bowel, uterus, and lungs. People over the age of 20 should be screened for oral, skin, thyroid, ovarian, and lymph node cancers. Breast cancer often shows symptoms such as a lump in the breast, a change in the shape of the breast, a darkening of the skin, or swollen lymph nodes.
A mammogram can detect breast lumps even before they are felt. Too, mammograms can also detect localized breast carcinoma (DCIS), which can be invasive cancer in some women. Women over the age of 40 are recommended to get a mammogram every 1 or 2 years. Women under 40 who are at risk of developing ovarian cysts should see a healthcare provider. Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the uterus grow. The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV. HPV tests can often detect HPV early. HPV vaccination is generally recommended for girls and women between the ages of 11 and 26. Along with the HPV test, the PVP test can also find abnormal cells that can turn into cancer. Healthcare providers generally recommend HPV and PVP testing every 3 years for women over the age of 30.
Premature polyps can be detected by screening tests. If such polyps are found, they can be removed before they become cancerous. Doctors often recommend starting screening after people turn 50 years old. are accepted tests for colorectal cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer in Indian men. People who smoke have the highest risk of developing lung cancer, but it can also occur in people who have never smoked. People who smoke (1 pack per day), are current smokers, or have quit in the last 15 years are more likely to develop lung cancer. Currently, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the only test recommended for lung cancer. Doctors recommend annual lung cancer screening for people between the ages of 55 and 80 who are at high risk of developing lung cancer.