Cancer screening is an effective strategy for early detection of health risks. The vast majority of people want to be able to detect signs of cancer through a physical examination so that they can take timely steps to intervene. So, what is the anti-cancer body examination and how to check it? I hope that the answers to the following key questions can help you not get lost during the physical examination.
When to have a cancer check-up
The timing of cancer check-ups is one of the key issues to pay attention to. Many cancer types are usually at a higher risk of developing within a certain age group. Therefore, we consider the following age groups to be a key target for screening. But this is not a generalization.
Individual health and genetic factors may also affect the timing of screening, and for people with a family history of tumors, long-term exposure to carcinogens, unhealthy lifestyle Xi, and other relevant risk factors found during physical examination, the starting age of screening or the frequency of screening needs to be increased.
In general, based on the consensus of major domestic cancer screening guidelines, the starting age of screening for common cancers is recommended as follows:
Breast cancer screening
Usually 40 years old is the starting age of screening, and general risk patients should be screened every 1~2 years, while high-risk groups can be advanced to 40 years old. At the same time, from the age of 18, you should learn Xi methods of breast cancer self-examination and undergo surgical examination.
Cervical cancer screening
Generally, the frequency of examinations is adjusted dynamically from the age of 25 depending on the results of the examination. For people over 65 years of age, they should still be screened if they have never been screened or if they have not had sufficient negative screening records in the previous 10 years or if there are corresponding indications.
Prostate cancer screening
Usually from the age of 50, for those with a family history of prostate cancer, it can be advanced to 40~45 years old. After the initial screening, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing every 2 years may be considered if the body is in good health.
Lung cancer screening
Usually from the age of 50. People who have smoked for 30 years or more and who are still smoking or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years are recommended to consider a low-dose spiral CT.
Stomach cancer screening
People from areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, people with previous gastric diseases, first-degree relatives with gastric cancer or unhealthy lifestyles need to start gastric cancer screening at 45 years old.
Choose the right screening method
Choosing the right screening method is another key issue in cancer screening, different types of cancer often require different screening methods, the common methods are:
Breast cancer screening
Regular breast self-examinations can help detect breast lesions early, and mammography and mammography are common methods for early breast cancer screening, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast if necessary.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cytology (TCT or Pap smear) and cervical HPV virus testing are common methods for early cervical cancer screening.
Prostate cancer screening
The PSA blood test is a screening method for early prostate cancer, in addition to other physical examinations and associated symptoms, such as digital rectal examination and prostate ultrasound.
Colorectal cancer screening
A fecal occult blood test is a common, noninvasive initial screening method that can detect the presence of blood in the stool. Whereas, colonoscopy is a method of directly examining the inside of the colon to better detect polyps or cancerous lesions.
Lung cancer screening
Low-dose CT scans are an effective method for lung cancer screening, especially for high-risk groups.
Stomach cancer screening
Endoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of gastric cancer, and other screening methods include Hp infection detection, combined with gastric cancer other biomarker detection, etc.
In addition, in recent years, more new tumor detection indicators have emerged, such as tumor-related autoantibody detection, gene methylation detection, blood circulation tumor cells, blood circulation tumor RNA, etc., which can also be reasonably selected according to actual needs. Different cancer types have different screening recommendations, and the choice of the appropriate screening method should be decided based on individual risk factors and the doctor's recommendations. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor to determine the most suitable screening plan.
How to prepare for a cancer check-up
There are some preparations that are necessary before going for a cancer prevention check-up. These include:
Learn about family history
Find out if you have cancer cases in your family to determine if you're in a high-risk group.
Tell your doctor about your medical history
Be honest with your doctor about your medical history, including cancer and other chronic conditions.
Stop specific medications or supplements
Your doctor may recommend that you stop using certain medications or vitamin supplements before certain screenings because they may affect the screening results.
Follow the preparation guidelines
Depending on the specific screening method that is being conducted, specific preparatory measures may be required. For example, you may need a colon cleanse before a colonoscopy.
It is important to note that cancer screening is not a substitute for preventive measures. Cancer screening is only one part of cancer prevention, and the key strategy for cancer prevention is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Source: Public Health magazine
Author: Expert of the National Health Science Popularization Expert Database
Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University)
Professor Zhang Qun, Chief Physician and Professor of Health Management Center
Planner: Tan Jia, Yu Yunxi
Editor: Luan Zhaolin