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Each year, over 20 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, with nearly 9.5 million fatalities. Raising awareness about healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding tobacco, plays a vital role in reducing cancer risks.
Early detection can improve cancer survival rates.
Every year, over 20 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 9.5 million succumb to the disease. Preventive efforts, such as increasing awareness about lifestyle choices like tobacco consumption, are key to reducing cancer risks. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Dr. Ashok Gopinath, Head of Partner Development at Strand Life Sciences, emphasized the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.
For instance, breast cancer detected in stages 0 or 1 has near 100 percent survival, while survival drops dramatically if found in later stages. Similarly, early detection of bowel, lung, and other cancers significantly improves survival chances. Unfortunately, cancer is often detected when symptoms have already significantly affected a person’s daily life, making treatment less effective.
Dr. Gopinath notes that screening helps detect risks in healthy individuals before symptoms appear. However, challenges like time, cost, and invasive procedures hinder the widespread adoption of screening. Age is a critical risk factor for cancer, and screening tests are recommended based on age and other risk factors.
Dr. Gopinath highlights several essential screening methods.
- Annual Physician Visits: A basic yet crucial screening, requiring an annual check-up with your family doctor. This includes a review of family history, symptoms like pain or discomfort, and a physical exam for specific cancers such as breast and prostate. Blood tests are often conducted to assess overall health.
- Genetic Testing: Since some cancers are hereditary, genetic testing can help identify specific risks. Tests like Genomic Health Insights provide valuable insights for early prevention and surveillance, although a ‘low risk’ result doesn’t eliminate the need for preventive habits.
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Women aged 21 and above should undergo a Pap smear every 3 years until 65, along with an HPV test every 5 years. HPV vaccines are also recommended to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
- Breast Cancer Screening: Monthly self-exams and genetic tests are key for early detection. Mammograms are recommended annually from age 40, or earlier if there are additional risk factors or a family history of breast cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: After assessing family history and symptoms, a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is commonly recommended. For those at low risk, sigmoidoscopies may begin at age 45. Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years starting at age 40.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Men should begin annual screenings for prostate cancer at age 50, or 45 for those at higher risk. Tests typically include a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Lung Cancer Screening: High-risk individuals, such as smokers over 50, should undergo low-dose CT scans annually. This screening is generally not advised for those at average or lower risk.
Dr. Gopinath concludes that the ideal cancer screening would be a single, minimally invasive test that can detect multiple types of cancer at early stages. Advances in genomics are making such a test increasingly feasible. This blood test, which detects traces of tumour DNA, could revolutionize cancer detection, offering a more effective way to catch cancers early and significantly increase survival rates.
