India registered about 1.46 million new cancer cases in 2022, with one in nine people expecting cancer in his lifetime. The cancer burden is estimated to increase by 12.8% by 2025, making regular screening even more important in the early detection and treatment. Every year, many individuals rely on regular blood tests as part of their annual health check, assuming that they will detect cancer in their early stages. While blood tests may be useful in some cases, not all cancers appear in the blood, especially in their early stages. Cancer originates in one organ and starts affecting its function long before any indication appears in the blood report. The disease can already proceed significantly until it is detected in standard blood tests marketed as a health package.
Myth of regular blood test to detect cancer
Many diagnostic labs market blood test packages are performed as extensive health screening, causing confusion that these tests can detect cancer. However, these packages do not include the parameters required for usually effective cancer screening. Additionally, they often exclude a significant ingredient: consult with a doctor. Individuals review their reports, look at general values, and assume that they are in good health. However, risk factors such as family history or tobacco use, which significantly increase cancer sensitivity, do not show in these tests.
Cancer screening Why should you be part of your annual health plan
Routine health check-ups should go beyond generic blood test and include cancer tests based on age, lifestyle and family history. Just as people schedule annual cholesterol or diabetes tests, they should also plan to screen cancer that align with their specific risk factors. Doctor consultation is necessary to identify these risks and recommend proper screening.
A doctor assessment is necessary in determining a person’s risk of cancer. For example, a family history of breast cancer increases risk for future generations. Similarly, the history of smoking may motivate individuals to lungs or oral cancer. These important risk factors can be identified through consulting and targeted screening instead of only normal blood tests.
Organ-specific screening: a more effective approach
Since the cancer affects specific organs, the effective screening must suit each organ:
Breast cancer: Mammography is recommended for high risk individuals, usually beginning at the age of 40 or before if there is a family history or genetic tendency.
Lung Cancer: A low-colored CT scan is often required for individuals aged 55-80 with heavy smoking (30 pack-year or more), and who are either current smokers Or left within the last 15 years.
Oral cancer: A clinical examination should be done for individuals over 40 years of age, especially for people with history of tobacco or alcohol.
Cervical Cancer: Papp is a gold standard for smear screening and is recommended for individuals with cervix starting at the age of 21 with regular screening every 3 years. After the age of 30, HPV tests can be performed with pap smear every 5 years or continued with pap smear every 3 years.
These age guidelines may vary depending on individual risk factors. Some cancers, such as ovarian and uterine cancer, are not yet reliable screening tests. Unlike breast and cervical cancer, which have well -installed screening protocols, ovarian and uterine cancer are challenging to quickly detect through regular tests.
Future of cancer risk evaluation
While researchers are searching for genetic trials to predict the risk of cancer, these tests are still in their early stages. Currently, genetic mutations can be identified in diagnosis patients, but in healthy individuals it is in progress to properly predict future cancer development. As long as the research progresses, it is not possible to rely only on genetic tests for cancer prediction.
Advance in Cancer Treatment and Technology
Modern surgical techniques, including robot surgery and 3D printing, have revolutionized the treatment of cancer by improving accurate and prediction. In surgery associated with removal of affected bones, such as in head, neck and bone cancer, 3D-crushed transplants allow for accurate reconstruction. It ensures better functional and cosmetic results, reduces variability associated with manual processes.
For example, in cases of jaw cancer where bone is required to replace, 3D printing enables the construction of custom transplant before surgery. This allows surgeons to immediately restore both function and appearance, preventing issues such as chewing and malnutrition difficulty.
An active approach that involves individual screening, doctor consultation and awareness about genetic and lifestyle rises, is necessary. The way you make an annual physical schedule, make sure that your check-up involves cancer screening to suit your personal risk factors.
