Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of people affected by the disease each year. Regular check-ups and screenings play an important role in the early detection of cancer, and they can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. By identifying cancer in its earliest stages, healthcare professionals can intervene before the disease progresses to more advanced and harder-to-treat stages.
In honour of World Cancer Day, this blog explores the significance of early cancer detection, the role of routine screenings, and how individuals can recognise warning signs to take proactive steps toward their health.
Understanding Cancer and the Importance of Early Detection
Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably, forming tumours or affecting other parts of the body through metastasis. While some cancers can develop rapidly, others may remain undetected for years. This is why early detection is crucial, finding cancer in its early stages can drastically improve the likelihood of successful treatment and survival.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly one-third of cancer cases could be prevented by avoiding key risk factors like smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity. When cancer is detected early, treatment is often less invasive, less aggressive, and more likely to succeed, leading to higher survival rates.
The Role of Routine Screenings
Routine screenings look for signs of disease before symptoms appear. For cancer, screenings are designed to detect the disease at its earliest, most treatable stages. Common cancer screenings include mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, cervical cancer screenings, and low-dose CT scans for lung cancer in high-risk individuals.
While cancer screening guidelines vary based on age, gender, family history, and risk factors, the overall message is clear: regular check-ups save lives.
- Breast Cancer: Mammograms
Mammograms are X-ray images of the breast that can detect tumours before they can be felt through self-examination. Detecting breast cancer early through a mammogram can reduce the risk of dying from the disease by up to 30% in the UK.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopies
Colonoscopies are a vital screening tool for detecting colorectal cancer, which is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Colonoscopies can detect polyps, which are precursors to cancer, allowing for early removal before they develop into cancerous growths.
- Cervical Cancer: HPV Test
Preventing cervical cancer is done through cervical screening. This is not a cancer test; it is a test to prevent cancer. This screening checks for a virus known as HPV, or human papillomavirus. Cervical cell alterations can be caused by high-risk HPV. This could eventually turn into cancer. However, not every cell alteration will result in cancer. Cervical screening is recommended for people with a cervix once they turn 25 years old.
4. Lung Cancer: Low-Dose CT Scans
For individuals at high risk of lung cancer, particularly those with a long history of smoking, low-dose CT scans can help detect the disease in its early stages. Early detection can significantly improve survival rates, as lung cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage when treatment options are limited.
- Skin Cancer: Skin Examinations
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and it is highly preventable with early detection. Regular self-exams and professional skin screenings can help identify suspicious moles or lesions before they become cancerous.
Statistics That Highlight the Importance of Early Detection
- Breast Cancer Screening in the UK: Regular mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 20-30% among women aged 50-69.
- Bowel Cancer Screening: Bowel cancer screening programs detect over 16,000 cases of bowel cancer in the UK annually, with many caught at an early stage.
- Cervical Cancer Screening: Cervical screening prevents up to 4,500 cases of cervical cancer annually in the UK.
Why Early Detection Matters:
According to Cancer Research UK, more than 80% of people diagnosed at the earliest stage (stage 1) survive their cancer for at least 5 years, compared to just 10-15% diagnosed at stage 4. Early detection through screenings, awareness campaigns, and self-examinations remains a critical strategy to reduce cancer-related deaths in the UK.
Recognising Warning Signs of Cancer
While routine screenings are essential, it’s equally important to be aware of your body and recognise potential warning signs of cancer. Early symptoms, although often subtle, can provide critical clues about the presence of cancer. Common warning signs to watch for include:
- Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without trying can be a symptom of several cancers, including cancers of the pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, or lungs.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest could be a sign of leukaemia or other cancers.
- Pain: Unexplained or persistent pain, such as headaches, back pain, or abdominal discomfort, could indicate cancer.
- Skin changes: New moles or changes in existing ones (colour, shape, or size) can signal skin cancer.
- Changes in bowel or urinary habits: Blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, or difficulty urinating can be signs of colorectal or prostate cancer.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge: Unexplained bleeding, especially after menopause or between periods, could be a sign of cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider who can perform the necessary tests and screenings to determine the cause.
How to Get Started: Tips for Taking Action
The first step in ensuring early detection of cancer is to schedule regular check-ups and screenings.
- Know your family history: If cancer runs in your family, discuss your risk factors with your doctor. They may recommend earlier or more frequent screenings.
- Follow recommended screening guidelines: Make sure you are adhering to the screening guidelines appropriate for your age and risk factors.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to any unusual symptoms and report them to your healthcare provider.
- Stay informed: Research cancer screenings and discuss options with your doctor, especially if you have concerns or a higher risk of developing certain cancers.
Early detection of cancer is vital for increasing survival rates and improving the effectiveness of treatments. Routine screenings are a powerful tool in identifying cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. By being proactive about regular check-ups, recognising warning signs, and advocating for your health, you can take steps to ensure that any potential cancer is caught early, giving you the best chance for successful treatment. Ultimately, regular screenings save lives, and the earlier cancer is detected, the better the outcome for those affected.
Screening at Echelon Health
Having a comprehensive assessment of your health empowers you to take control of your own wellbeing and act accordingly. These assessments enable effective preventative measures, helping to reduce the risk of various health conditions and providing numerous benefits.
At Echelon Health, we are proud to offer a Platinum Assessment that is highly effective in detecting a wide array of illnesses. In fact, we can identify up to 92% and 95% of the preventable causes of death in men and women, respectively.
The following is a complete list of scans that are part of the Platinum Assessment:
- Medical Questionnaire
- Blood Test
- ECG
- CT Aorta
- CT Heart
- CT Coronary Angiogram
- CT Chest
- CT Pelvis
- CT Virtual Colonoscopy
- CT Bone Density
- EOS
- CT Upright Skeleton
- MRI Brain
- MRI Cerebral Artery Angiogram
- MRI Carotid Artery Angiogram
- MRI Prostate
- Ultrasound Thyroid
- Ultrasound Testes/Ovaries
- Digital Mammogram
- Full Body Mole Screen
- Final consultation
This assessment uses state-of-the-art technology to take a comprehensive look at an individual’s health and screen for:
- Cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, bowel cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer and more.
- Diseases of the circulatory system including Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, aortic aneurysms and more.
- Diseases of the digestive system including liver disease, Gallbladder, Biliary Tract, Pancreatic disease, Diverticular disease.
For a confidential conversation on which preventative health assessment would work best for you contact our team today. We will always be delighted to help give you more information and answer any questions you may have.
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Sources
· https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521691823000185
· https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cervical-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening/about
