Cancer is a heterogeneous group of neoplastic diseases whose basic hallmarks are the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022, over 14 lakh people in India were diagnosed with cancer, and over 9 lakh people died from the disease. Although medical science has advanced beyond human imagination, fighting against this deadly disease has increasingly become more challenging. Of the various ways to fight cancer, early detection has to be one of the most important techniques that can help improve the chances of survival.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Mohit Saxena - Consultant and Head of the Department - Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram highlighted the importance of early cancer detection and ways to detect it at an early stage.
Early Detection of Cancer
Early detection is a scenario whereby the presence of cancer is detected at an early stage, long before the symptoms are revealed or even when the symptoms are just starting to show up.
Breast Cancer
Mammograms are part of the method to detect breast cancer and are used to scan it out before lumps can be felt.
Cervical Cancer
Pap smears are also part of the method used in detecting cervical cancer, and they find the precancerous changes of cervical cells.
Colorectal Cancer
Screening is done through the use of colonoscopies and stool tests, which help in the early identification of cancer.
Lung Cancer
Low-dose CT scans find lung cancer in people considered high-risk.
Prostate Cancer
PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams are two ways for early detection of prostate cancer.
Skin Cancer
Skin checks can detect melanoma and other skin cancers at the earliest and most treatable stage.
Ovarian Cancer
Although difficult to detect at an early stage, transvaginal ultrasounds and CA125 blood tests are performed on women at high risk.
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Early detection of cancer is important for the better chances of survival (Image Credits: Canva)
Further, the doctor also discussed the impact on survival rates as he believed that the prognosis of the cancer depends on the stage at which it has been diagnosed. The earlier cancer can be found, the more likely it is found at its primary site and has not travelled to far-off body parts. The chances of success in treatment rise.
Talking about the better choices for treatment, he said if cancer is detected early, a number of treatment options are available and usually the treatment is less invasive and more effective. For example, if breast cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be frequently treated by surgery and radiation, omitting chemotherapy, which generally has more serious side effects.