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Early diagnosis is one of the greatest advantages in combating cancer. Screening tests can detect cancer before symptoms appear, when it is most readily treatable and survival rates are at their highest. Most cancers, including breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers, have established methods of screening that can identify abnormalities at an early stage and prevent further progression into advanced disease. Dr Sravan Kumar Bodepudi, Consultant, Medical Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, shares all you need to know: Mammograms, for instance, can detect breast cancer years before a lump can be felt. Pap smears and HPV tests can identify cervical changes long before they become cancerous. Likewise, colonoscopy can find and remove precancerous polyps, significantly reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Low-dose CT scans are recommended for long-term smokers to detect lung cancer early, when the chances of successful treatment are best. The right time to start screening varies depending on age, family history, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Most women are advised to begin breast cancer screening in their 40s and cervical cancer screening in their 20s, while men are encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening around the age of 50 or earlier if there is a family history. Those with a strong genetic predisposition, such as BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations or Lynch syndrome, may require earlier and more frequent screenings. However, fear, shyness, and lack of awareness often prevent people from getting tested in time. These barriers can be overcome through regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers. Since early-stage cancers frequently have no symptoms, proactive screening is essential, even for those who feel perfectly healthy. Cancer screening is not about living in fear; it’s about taking control. Detecting cancer early not only increases the chances of successful treatment but can also mean less aggressive therapies, lower costs, and a better quality of life. The takeaway is simple: don’t wait for symptoms screening can save your life. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and encourage others to do the same. Striking a balance between prevention and screening remains the most powerful tool we have against cancer.
