How To Catch Cancer At An Early Stage |

Cancer is most treatable and beatable during its early stages. But how does a person detect cancer at an early stage when they may not even realize the cancer is present? There are a few steps to take.

Screening tests

Scheduling screening tests for common cancers, even if there are no symptoms, is an effective way to detect cancer early on. The American Cancer Society recommends the following tests.

• Breast cancer: Women aged 40 to 44 can start planning annual breast cancer screenings if they wish. The ACS recommends that women aged 45 to 54 schedule annual screenings, after which mammograms may be done every two years.

• Colorectal cancer: Regular screenings for colorectal cancer can begin at age 45 with stool or eye exams looking for signs of cancer.

• Cervical cancer: This cancer screening should start at age 25 and continue until women are 65 years old. Pap smears and human papillomavirus tests are recommended at various intervals, usually between three and five years for healthy women.

• Skin cancer: All people, regardless of age, are advised to check their skin regularly for any changes that may indicate the presence of skin cancer.

Screenings for prostate cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer and others can be important for people with a family history of these cancers or those who are at higher risk due to various behaviors. People are encouraged to speak with their doctor about cancer screenings and any additional steps they can take to reduce their risk of cancer.

In search of microvesicles

To detect cancers earlier, doctors may use blood tests that look for the presence of microvesicles in the blood. Harvard Medical School says cells shed microvesticles, but the amount shed by tumors is substantial. However, finding these very small particles requires a powerful device and a complicated lab process. New innovations at the Center for Systems Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital have led to the development of a portable device that uses a nanotechnology sensor to detect tumor microvesticles in a drop of blood in about two hours. This technology has the potential to diagnose cancer much earlier, according to Dr Ralph Weissleder, director of the center and developer of the technology.

To feel “off”

People are their best advocates for early detection of cancer. Any unusual symptom that persists should be treated as a wake-up call. Bumps, pain, blood in stool or urine, persistent cough, fatigue, abnormal vaginal discharge, sores that do not heal, and loss of appetite can all be early signs of cancer. . People are encouraged to make an appointment with their primary care physicians to discuss any abnormalities.

As cancer spreads, it can affect how well treatment works. It can also affect the chances of survival. The earlier a person finds cancer, the better their chances of surviving the disease.

Scheduling screening tests for common cancers, even if there are no symptoms, is an effective way to detect cancer early on.