Cancer represents one of the greatest medical challenges of our time, accounting for a significant proportion of deaths worldwide. Among them, breast, colorectal, prostate and cervical cancers stand out as the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer, affecting millions of people every year. Their prevalence emphasises the importance of early diagnosis, which can significantly increase the chances of a cure.
Breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women, shows the importance of regular mammography to detect changes early. Colorectal cancer, on the other hand, which affects both men and women, reminds us of the value of colonoscopy and faecal occult blood tests, which can be life-saving by detecting the disease at an early stage.
Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men, highlights the need for blood PSA level tests, which may indicate the need for further diagnosis. Cervical cancer, on the other hand, for which there are effective prevention methods, such as HPV vaccination and regular cytological examinations, highlights how much of a role prevention plays in the fight against cancer.
Screening tests
Screening is a key part of preventive health care and is crucial for detecting early diseases, especially cancer. An introduction to the concept of screening, its aims and methodology is key to understanding why it is so important and how it contributes to reducing cancer mortality.
Screening is a specially designed diagnostic procedure that aims to detect diseases in populations of people who do not yet show symptoms of disease. The idea is to identify potential cases of disease in the early stages, when they have the best chance of successful treatment and cure.
Screening objectives:
- Early diagnosis: The main aim is to detect diseases before clinical symptoms appear. In the case of cancer, early diagnosis can significantly increase the patient's chances of a full recovery.
- Reducing mortality: Screening allows cancers to be detected at early, treatable stages, resulting in a significant reduction in cancer mortality.
- Cost optimisation: Early diagnosis and treatment are often more effective and less costly than treating advanced cases of disease. Screening optimises the use of medical resources.
Screening methodology: Screening uses a variety of diagnostic methods and tests, depending on the type of disease it is intended to detect. Examples include:
- Mammography for the detection of breast cancer.
- Colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer.
- Cytological tests, such as Pap smear, to detect cervical cancer.
- Blood tests such as PSA (prostate specific antigen) to detect prostate cancer.
Impact on reducing cancer mortality: Screening plays a key role in reducing cancer mortality. Early diagnosis allows rapid treatment and increases the chances of a full cure. Through regular screening, cancers can be detected at a stage when they are small and non-invasive, significantly improving the prognosis of patients
How to prepare for screening?
Preparing for screening is important to maximise its effectiveness and accuracy. Here are practical tips for preparing for screening, and information on steps to take once the results are received:
Pre-screening preparation:
Make an appointment for the screening: Contact your doctor or relevant medical facility to make an appointment for the screening. Make sure you have the exact date and time of the screening and any necessary preparation information.
Ask for recommendations: Consult your doctor or the technician performing the test if there are any special preparation recommendations. In some cases, you may be required to limit your food or drink intake before the examination.
Follow dietary recommendations: If your doctor's or technician's recommendations include restricting food or drink before the test, follow them strictly. Failure to follow these recommendations may affect the accuracy of the results.
Prepare mentally: screening can be stressful for some people. Prepare mentally, remind yourself that the screening is to protect your health and detect potential problems early.
Once the screening results have been received:
Consultation with a doctor: Once you have received your results, arrange a consultation with the doctor who carried out the test or a specialist who will be able to interpret them. Your doctor will help you understand the results and discuss possible next steps.
Reference value: Understanding what a test result means is crucial. Often, screening results are given in the context of reference values or normative ranges, which determine whether the result is within normal limits or requires further evaluation or medical intervention.
Consider further steps: Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic tests or treatment. It is worthwhile to thoroughly understand and follow your doctor's recommendations.
Health monitoring: If screening results are negative, this does not absolve you of your responsibility to take care of your health. Regular screening is still important to detect possible health problems at an early stage.
Let us remember that screening is crucial in the fight against cancer because it allows early detection of the disease, which increases the chances of successful treatment and reduces mortality. Through regular screening, cancers can be identified in the early stages when they are still small and non-invasive, which is of great importance for the health of patients.