Cancer Screening
Cancer screening is a diagnostic procedure done on healthy individuals who are at risk for developing certain cancers. It can help find cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown and spread, making the cancer hard to cure or impossible to treat. In other words, finding it early and starting treatment immediately may prevent the cancer from causing suffering and death.
What is Cancer Screening?
Cancer screening is a diagnostic procedure done on healthy individuals who are at risk for developing certain cancers. It can help find cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. When abnormal tissue is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown and spread, making the cancer hard to cure or impossible to treat. In other words, finding it early and starting treatment immediately may prevent the cancer from causing suffering and death.
It is important to remember that when you doctor suggests a screening test, it does not always mean he or she thinks you have cancer. If you screening test shows an abnormality, more tests may be needed to confirm if you indeed have cancer to facilitate prompt treatment. If no abnormal findings are found, screening tests may be repeated at certain time intervals, depending on the doctor’s recommendations.
Cancer Screening Tests by Site
- BREAST CANCER
Who should undergo breast cancer screening?
Women aged 40 and above should undergo breast cancer screening. It may also be recommended for women younger than 40 when there is an increased risk of getting breast cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer include:
- Aging (risk increases as you get older)
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Early onset of menstruation (before age 12)
- Late menopause (after age 55)
- Previous chest radiation as treatment for another cancer
- Having a first live birth after the age of 30
- Continuous use of oral contraceptive for prolonged period
- Use of combined hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause
- Excessive weight gain in postmenopausal women
Screening tests for breast cancer
- Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) – This procedure includes visual inspection and physical examination of both breasts and underarm areas for changes. Women in their 20s and 30s should have CBE as part of a regular health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years. Starting at age 40, women should have CBE by a health professional every year.
- Screening Mammogram – This is a regular breast X-ray examination that can detect cancer before it can be felt. Women beginning age 40 should have Screening Mammogram once a year.
Screening using other modalities like Breast Ultrasound or Breast MRI as discussed by your
doctor may also be done.
Who should undergo colorectal cancer screening?
- Men and women 50 years old and above (Screening may be performed earlier on someone who is at a higher risk than the average person based on personal or family history).
- Anyone with at least one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer.
- Anyone with a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Patients with a personal history of colorectal cancer, cancer of the endometrium (uterus), or cancer of the ovary.
Screening tests for colorectal cancer
Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following tests for colorectal cancer screening:
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – This test detects hidden blood in stool samples. FOBT is less invasive but it does not allow direct visualization of the lining of the colon and rectum. It has been recommended that FOBT be done every year along with sigmoidoscopy to help reduce the number of deaths due to colorectal cancer. FOBT using immunochemical tests are best repeated yearly after age 50. If the test is positive for blood, colonoscopy is recommended.
- EZ Detect – is a form of fecal occult blood test but instead of submitting stool to the laboratory, the user simply drops a test tissue into the toilet bowl. If blood is present, a blue-green color will appear on the test tissue within two minutes.
- Colonoscopy – This test allows the doctor to examine the rectum and the entire colon using a scope. During the procedure, pre-cancerous and cancerous growths may be found and biopsied or removed. A normal colonoscopy may need to be repeated after 5 to 10 years.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – This is an alternative to colonoscopy if for some reason colonoscopy cannot be performed. This involves visualization of the rectum and only the lower colon. Biopsies or removal of polyps or tumors can still be done but abnormal growths in the upper colon may be missed. A normal sigmoidoscopy may need to be repeated every 3-5 years. An abnormal sigmoidoscopy will need a full colonoscopy.
Who should undergo cervical/gynecological cancer screening?
Regular screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix is recommended for all women. Most guidelines suggest beginning screening within three years of becoming sexually active, or not earlier than age 21.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- Multiple sexual partners
- Intercourse at a very young age
- Smoking
- High number of pregnancies
- Long term use of oral contraceptives
- Sexually transmitted infections
Screening tests for cervical cancer:
- Pap smear – During the tests, your doctor brushes cells from your cervix – the narrow
neck of the uterus – and sends the sample to a laboratory to be examined for abnormalities.
- HPV DNA Tests – These tests would determine if you are infected with any of the 13 types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.
Who should undergo prostate cancer screening?
It is recommended that a baseline PSA, along with a digital rectal exam (DRE) is done stating at the age of 40.
Screening tests for prostate cancer:
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is a quick way for your urologist to physically examine the prostate. A lubricated gloved finger is inserted in the anus and the prostate is palpated to assess its size and character, specifically looking for lumps and hard areas which are characteristic of cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. The PSA level is determined through a blood test. It is an important marker of several prostate diseases, including prostate cancer.
Where can I go to get a cancer screening done?
Cancer screenings can be done at The Medical City as supervised by well-trained and professional medical practitioners. More importantly, the implications of whatever results obtained can be competently discussed with you by the doctors.
You can call the Cancer Resource and Coordination for more information and scheduling of your screening tests.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER
- Change of bowel or bladder habits
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- Obvious change in mole or wart
- Nagging cough or hoarseness of voice
- Weight gain or weight loss with no known reason
- Feeling weak or very tired
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. They may also be caused by other problems. Only a doctor can tell for sure. Anyone with these symptoms or other changes in health should see a doctor to diagnose and treat problems as early as possible.
Top 10 Cancers in the Philippines
- Breast
- Lung
- Liver
- Colon/Rectum
- Cervix Uteri
- Leukemia
- Stomach
- Prostate
- Brain/Nervous System
- Ovary
References:
- Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates 2010
- http://www.cancer.gov (What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer by National Cancer Institute, USA)
- http://www.cancer.org (Breast Cancer: Early Detection by American Cancer Society)
- http://womenshealth.gov/faq/ccervix.htm
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cervicalcancer.html
Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.
For more information, please call:
CANCER CENTER – RESOURCE AND COORDINATION
8/F, Nursing Tower 2, The Medical City
Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6214
CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. no. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444
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