Understanding Cancer Screening Types: Early Detection Steps Often Ignored

YOGYAKARTA - Knowing the various types of cancer screening is an important step in the early detection of this deadly disease, especially for people without symptoms but have certain risk factors.

By doing regular screening, cancer can be found early so that the chances of successful treatment increase and the risk of serious complications can be suppressed. Quoted by VOI from the Cleveland Clinic website, the following are some things related to cancer screening:

Understanding Cancer Screening

It needs to be emphasized, cancer screening is different from diagnosis. Screening is done on people who seem healthy, while diagnosis is done when someone already has symptoms.

Most people start routine screening in their 40s, but individuals at high risk may need it sooner.

In addition, the time and type of cancer screening are determined based on age, family history, genetic factors, and lifestyle. Medical personnel will assess these risks before recommending certain examinations.

The Importance of Cancer Screening

The main benefit of cancer screening is early detection. It should be noted that cancers that are found early have a higher success rate of treatment and a better life expectancy.

However, screening also has risks such as inaccurate results or overdiagnosis, although this case is relatively rare. Therefore, screening is only recommended if the benefits are proven to be greater than the risks based on medical research.

Types of Cancer Screening Recommended

For individuals with average risk, there are several types of cancer screening that are recommended, including:

Breast Cancer Screening

It is done starting at age 40 with a mammogram every two years. This examination has been shown to reduce the death rate from breast cancer. In high-risk individuals, additional screening such as breast MRI may be required.

Cervical Cancer Screening

It starts at the age of 21. The tests used include Pap smears and HPV tests. This examination not only detects cancer, but also precancerous cells and high-risk HPV infections.

Also read the article discussing Signs of Cervical Cancer Spreading, It's Important to Get Medical Treatment Immediately!

Colorectal Cancer Screening

It is recommended to start at age 45. The general method is a colonoscopy every 10 years. This screening can find polyps that have the potential to become cancer and remove them before they develop.

Other Types of Cancer Screening

In addition to the main screening, there are other examinations that can be considered according to individual conditions, such as lung cancer screening for smokers aged 50-80 years, prostate cancer screening with PSA tests, skin cancer examination by a dermatologist, and oral cancer examination by a dentist.

There is also a blood-based multi-cancer detection test such as the Galleri test, but this test has not been recommended for the general public.

Cancer screening itself can be in the form of a physical examination, imaging tests, laboratory tests, to genetic tests. Before the examination, medical personnel will explain the procedure, preparation, and the meaning of the test results that may be obtained.

Screening results are not diagnostic. If abnormalities are found, further examination is needed to determine the actual condition. Normal results also do not mean that you are free of cancer forever, so screening needs to be done periodically according to recommendations.

Well, by understanding and undergoing the type of cancer screening according to age and risk is an important step to maintain long-term health. Regular consultation with medical personnel helps determine the right screening and its implementation time.

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