By Dr. Linda Kalirani-Phiri USA
One crucial factor that affects that outcome of patients with most cancers is the stage at the time diagnosis. Cancer staging is the process of determining the origin of a tumor, size of the tumor, where the tumor is located, and whether and where it has spread in the body. Defining the stage of the cancer helps doctors to design a treatment plan and estimate the prognosis of the patient.
Cancer staging is performed using the following factors:
- Location of the original (primary) tumor
- The size of the tumor
- The presence of cancer in lymph nodes located near the origin of the tumor or in other parts of the body
- Whether or not the cancer has spread to other distant parts of the body (metastasis)
Cancer that is diagnosed at an early stage, when it is not too large and has not spread, is more likely to be treated successfully and cured because all the cancer cells can be completely removed either through surgery or treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Screening is a process for checking for cancer cells or abnormal cells that may become cancer in people who have not yet developed symptoms. Screening tests help in the detection of cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear and the cancer has grown and spread to increase the chance of cure. Below are some of the cancers that have screening tests that you should get on a regular basis to help detect cancer early an improve your chances of surviving cancer if detected:
Breast Cancer
Screen for breast cancer can be done through breast self-examination. A woman looks and feels for changes in her own breasts. If she notices any changes, she should see a doctor. Screening for breast cancer can also be done by conducting mammography, a type of x-ray specifically designed to view the breast. The images produced by mammography can show tumors or irregularities in the breast. Breast cancer screening is recommended beginning around the age of forty-five.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer screening is done using pap smear test which can detect abnormal cells in the cervix that eventually may turn into cancer. Additionally, testing for human papilloma virus (HPV) a virus that can cause these cell changes that lead to the development of cervical cancer can identify individuals at elevated risk for this cancer. Screening is recommended for people (who have been sexually active) with a cervix beginning at age 25. Cervical cancer can also be prevented by vaccinating children from the ages of 9 years to prevent HPV infection.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can be screened through a digital rectal exam whereby a doctor inserts a gloved lubricated finger into a man’s rectum and feels the surface of the prostate for any irregularities. Additionally, prostate cancer can be screened by evaluating the levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood. The levels of PSA are usually elevated when a person has prostate cancer. However, it should be noted that a high PSA level may also be a sign of conditions that are not cancerous. Most guidelines recommend starting prostate cancer screening at the age 55. However, for individuals who have at least one first-degree relative (such as your father or brother) with a history of prostate cancer, the start of screening is recommended at an earlier age between the ages of 40 and 54.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer screening is done using colonoscopy, a procedure whereby the doctor inserts a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope into the rectum. The doctor is able to check the colon for polyps or cancer. If the polyps are detected early, they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Another screening test for colorectal cancer is the fecal occult blood test which checks for the presence of blood in the feces, which can be a sign of polyps or cancer. Colorectal cancer screening recommended for everyone beginning at age 45.
Skin cancer
People can conduct self-examination of their entire body in a mirror for signs of skin cancer. It often helps to have another person check the scalp and back of the neck. A doctor can conduct a dermoscopy using a handheld device to evaluate the size, shape, and pigmentation patterns of skin lesions. Dermoscopy is usually used for the early detection of melanoma.
Lung cancer
Screening for lung cancer can be conducted using a low-dose CT lung scan and is indicated for people who are between 50 and 80 years of age who are a current smoker, or formers smoker that quit within the past 15 years, or people who have a smoking history equivalent to a pack a day for 20+ years
No matter your age or stage of life, you should plan to have annual physical exams. This will help your health care provider identify and treat health issues before they worsen. Keeping up with routine cancer screenings can increase your chances of detecting cancer in the earliest stages when it is most treatable. Most importantly if you feel that something is not right advocate for your health, get a second opinion if you are not satisfied with a decision as you know your body best.