Cancer Screening Tests

21.03.2024

CANCER SCREENING TESTS

Cancer screening tests allow cancer to be diagnosed in the early stages, increasing treatment success and reducing the risk of cancer-related death. These tests are used to detect cancer in people who do not yet show any symptoms. Early diagnosis allows cancer to be caught at a stage when it is more treatable, which helps make treatment less invasive and more effective. Regular screening programs, especially for common types of cancer such as breast, colorectal and cervical cancer, can prevent disease progression and improve patient survival rates. Therefore, regular screening tests for identified risk factors and age groups are an important part of cancer control strategies. In addition to early diagnosis, these screenings contribute to the development of cancer prevention and risk reduction strategies.

What are the benefits?

Cancer screening tests have many benefits, including:

Early diagnosis: Cancer screening tests can detect cancer before it shows symptoms. This means the cancer is at a more treatable stage and has better survival rates.

Effective Treatment: When diagnosed early, the cancer is usually smaller and has not spread. This means that treatment options are wider and the treatment is more effective.

Low Mortality Rate: Regular screening for some types of cancer may reduce cancer-related death rates. For example, breast cancer and colorectal cancer screenings have been effective in reducing deaths from these types of cancer.

Treatment Cost:Early diagnosis often requires less aggressive treatment, which may mean reduced treatment costs.

Evaluation of Risk Factors: Screening tests provide the opportunity to evaluate an individual's risk of developing cancer. This allows individuals at higher risk to be monitored more closely and, if necessary, to initiate preventive treatment.

Preventing the Spread of the Disease: Some types of cancer can be completely cured when diagnosed at an early stage. This may prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.

In addition to these benefits, cancer screening tests enable individuals and healthcare systems to be more aware and prepared against cancer. However, every screening test also has potential risks and limitations, so these factors should be considered when deciding whether to undergo testing.

Image 1: Cancer screening tests aim at early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and prolonging life.

WHICH CANCERS SHOULD SCREENING TEST BE PERFORMED?

Screening tests for early diagnosis are of great importance in certain types of cancer. These types and screening tests are listed below:

Breast Cancer:For early diagnosis, it is recommended that women perform breast self-examination starting from the age of 20, breast examination once a year after the age of 40, and mammography at regular intervals. It is recommended that women with a family history of breast cancer have regular medical check-ups at an earlier age, starting from the age of 25, and benefit from genetic tests when necessary.

Cervical Cancer: With the start of sexual life, women are recommended to have PAP smear tests regularly, and after the age of 30, it is recommended to have PAP smear and HPV typing every 3-5 years. When abnormal results are detected, evaluation is performed through colposcopy and biopsy.

Colon cancer: After age 45, both women and men are recommended to routinely have a fecal occult blood test, barium colon X-ray or colonoscopy. Colonoscopy can detect polyps, which are precursor lesions, and thus prevent the development of cancer.

Prostate cancer: It is recommended that men have a urology examination and PSA test once a year after the age of 50. The first PSA test at age 40 helps determine the frequency of follow-up tests.

Lung cancer: High-risk people, especially long-term smokers, are recommended to have regular lung screening. People who are long-term smokers or have smoked in the past, especially individuals aged 55 and over, constitute the highest risk group for lung cancer screening.

Cancer disease in the family: If a first-degree relative has colorectal cancer, screening should usually begin 10 years before the age of diagnosis or at age 40. Those with a family history of colon cancer or HNPCC-related cancer before the age of 50 should be screened. In cases where the standard screening age is 50, it seems that the screening age for these people has been reduced to 40-45. Screening methods include fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.

These screening tests increase the chances of detecting cancer at an early stage and effective treatment. Early diagnosis is often associated with more successful treatment outcomes and better survival rates. The frequency and method of screening tests recommended for each type of cancer may vary depending on the person's age, general health status and risk factors. Therefore, it is important to attend regular screening programs and follow doctor's recommendations.

Image 2: Colon cancer screening with colonoscopy is recommended for men and women over the age of 45.

WHERE CAN I GET A CANCER SCREENING TEST?

In Turkey, cancer screening tests can generally be performed at the following health institutions:

State Hospitals and University Hospitals: Most public and university hospitals in Turkey offer various cancer screening tests. These hospitals often provide screening services for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and other common types of cancer.

Private Hospitals and Medical Centers: Many hospitals and medical centers serving the private healthcare sector have advanced screening technologies and offer a wide range of cancer screening tests.

Family Health Centers: Family Health Centers in Turkey can be an accessible option, especially for basic cancer screening tests. Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings can generally be performed in these centres.

Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centers: Supported by the Turkish Ministry of Health, KETEM centers offer a variety of cancer screening tests and often provide free services.

Public and Private Laboratories: Some public and private laboratories offer services such as blood tests and biopsies necessary for cancer screening.

To access cancer screening tests, it is important to first contact a healthcare provider and get a doctor's advice. Healthcare professionals will recommend the most appropriate screening tests based on your personal risk factors and health status. It is also important to learn about the potential benefits and risks of the tests before having such screenings.