Cancer is such a disease that people get scared on hearing its name. This disease is often detected when it has spread widely in the body. But if it is detected in time, treatment becomes easier and the chances of recovery also increase manifold. Therefore, doctors now give more emphasis not only on treatment but also on prevention and early detection. Health experts say that especially men and women above 35 years of age should get their health checked regularly so that any serious disease, especially cancer, can be detected in the early stages. There are four screening tests that can detect cancer in its early stages. When symptoms are negligible or not visible at all. In such a situation, let us know which 4 screening tests must be done after the age of 35 years.

1. Regular Cancer Screening Test – Regular checkups i.e. standard screening tests are considered the backbone of cancer prevention. These tests have been decided after many years of study and are recognized by experts all over the world. The first one is colonoscopy. Every person should get this test done after the age of 45 years. This test helps in detecting cancer of the large intestine. It detects not only cancer but also the initial growth before it becomes cancer. Generally it is advised to repeat it every 10 years. The second test is mammogram. Women above 40 years of age should get a mammogram done once every 1 to 2 years. This is an imaging test that can detect breast cancer at an early stage. Apart from this, the third one is Pap smear or HPV test. Women above 21 years of age should get this test done for cervical cancer. Pap smear shows whether any abnormal changes are taking place in the cells of the uterus. Along with this, PSA test comes in the standard screening test. This test can give early indications of prostate cancer.

2. Gallery Test — Today’s modern technology has made cancer screening even easier. The Gallery test is a blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer early in a single sample. It detects the presence of cancer by detecting changes in DNA in the blood, often before symptoms are visible. Although this test does not make a complete difference in itself, but if any indication is found then the doctor can get further investigation done. People who have a history of cancer in their family or who are above 35-40 years of age can get this test done every year.

3. Genetic Test – Many times cancer occurs not only due to lifestyle but also due to genetic reasons, that is, if someone in the family has cancer at a young age, then the risk of it may increase in other members too. In such a situation, genetic testing proves to be very useful. This test identifies gene mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 or Lynch Syndrome, which can make a person susceptible to cancer. If changes in these genes are found, doctors can do early monitoring, do timely scanning and make prevention.

4. Whole body MRI – Full body MRI is a modern scan which gives an opportunity to look inside the body without radiation. It can detect hidden abnormalities or early tumors in many organs, even when symptoms are not visible. If it is done in combination with gallery test or genetic testing, it proves to be even more effective. However, doctors say that not every small abnormality is a matter of concern, so it is important to look at the MRI results with wisdom and expert advice.

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Often people consider head and neck cancer as just mouth cancer, while the truth is that this group covers many types of cancer. This includes oral cavity (mouth), throat (throat), voice box (larynx), nasal, sinuses, thyroid, parotid gland (salivary gland) and even eye sockets (part of the eye). People usually associate it with cancer of the mouth, throat or voice box, because they are more common and they are directly related to tobacco. Chewing tobacco often causes mouth cancer, while smoking causes diseases related to throat, voice box and airway.

Late diagnosis biggest problem

The biggest challenge of head and neck cancer is delay in diagnosis (delayed). This delay is from both sides from the patient and also from the doctor. According to Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director, Surgical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, “Many times the patient has problems like mouth ulcers, white patches or changes in voice, but people consider it an infection. Doctors also initially manage antibiotic, pain or steroids. Even dental professionals often treat such symptoms with many rounds of medicine. When these treatment do not work, then there is suspicion of cancer.

Misconceptions related to biopsy

If ulcers, white patch, or red legends in the mouth are not cured by the first medicine, then it is necessary to show the oncologist and get a biopsy immediately. Dr. Malhotra says, “The biggest problem is that people believe that the biopsy will spread cancer. It is a completely myth and can prove to be dangerous for the patient’s life.”

Lack of infrastructure

Special tests such as endoscopy or laryngoscopy are essential to identify cancer of throat, tonsils, base of tongue or larynx. These facilities are available in most big cities hospitals. Due to lack of this facility in Tier-2 and Tier-3 City, it is late to refer patients. The second major problem is the long TAT (turnaround time) of the biopsy report. In small cities, samples first go to the local lab, then from there are sent to the special lab of Metro City. This takes a long time to get the report.

Hope from new technology

Liquid biopsy is a new and easy way, in which cancer markers can be detected only with blood samples. Although this final does not give diagnosis, but the initial idea is definitely there. Robotic surgery has also revolutionized the treatment of head and neck cancer. Especially for those patients whose cancer occurs inside the throat, the base of tongue or tonsils. The cancer can be removed from the robotic system without putting large cuts on the face. With technology like frozen section analysis, a biopsy report is now available in 20 minutes during surgery. From this, the decision can be taken immediately and the patient does not have to undergo repeated surgery.

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Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.

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