When it comes to cancer, many people may feel quite worried because cancer can occur in people of all genders and ages and often spreads rapidly… even before the patient is aware. Currently, medical technology has developed cancer screening methods that can detect cancer at an early stage, helping to prevent cancer cells from spreading… increasing the chances of successful treatment.
“Cancer” How does this disease occur?
Cancer occurs due to mutations in genes or genetic material within cells, causing the cells to become abnormal and different from normal cells. This makes the body unable to control them, and these cells can live longer than normal cells. These cells spread throughout the body, causing various organs to malfunction… and ultimately leading to death.
Cancer screening to know early… helps increase survival chances
Cancer screening (Cancer Screening or Cancer Early Detection) is a medical method commonly used to treat cancer because it detects cancer from before the disease develops to the early stages, even when the patient shows no symptoms. This results in a higher survival rate after treatment or can reduce the mortality rate from cancer.
Although cancer screening cannot detect all types of cancer, and some cancers may still be undetectable,
currently, cancers that can be screened include breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, etc. The frequency of screening varies for each type of cancer as follows:
- Breast Cancer Screening
Screening for cancer cells by X-ray, known as mammogram screening. Patients with risk factors for breast cancer include those who started menstruating at a young age, have no children, or have received radiation to the breast. Doctors recommend patients aged 50 and above to see a doctor for screening.
- Cervical Cancer Screening
This is an internal examination called a Pap smear (Pap Smear or Pap Test) to check for abnormalities in cervical cells. These cells are then tested to detect cancer cells.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
Screening is done by colonoscopy. Patients at risk of colorectal cancer can be found at any age, but it is more common in people aged 50 and above.
Does cancer screening have side effects?
The side effects of cancer screening depend on the screening method, such as:
- Breast cancer screening or mammogram may cause slight pain during the screening due to compression by the X-ray machine.
- Colorectal cancer screening involves colonoscopy, which requires patient preparation before the test, including bowel cleansing with laxatives to remove stool from the colon, which may cause fatigue.
Did you know? The risk of cancer differs between males and females
Cancer screening risks differ between males and females. For example, males can develop breast cancer, but females are at higher risk. Both genders can develop colorectal cancer. Doctors usually recommend patients aged 50 and above, who are considered high-risk, to see a doctor for cancer screening.
Preparation before screening
Cervical Cancer
- Schedule the test one week after menstruation ends.
- Before the test, patients should avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal suppositories, or douching for 24-48 hours.
Breast Cancer
- You can eat and drink normally.
- Do not apply lotion, powder, or sprays on the breasts and underarms as these may cause spots on the images, leading to misdiagnosis.
- If you have had a mammogram before, bring the previous results for comparison.
Colorectal Cancer
- Avoid or control food intake before the test.
- Eat low-fiber foods and take laxatives to clear the colon.
“Getting cancer depends on the individual and may be related to genetics or family history. Therefore, we ourselves are at risk of cancer, and even those without a family history of cancer are not risk-free. So, we should take care of our health by having regular health check-ups every year.”
