A Detailed Guide about types of Cancer Screening Tests

Early detection of cancer is essential for treatment, which can only be possible with various screening methods. In fact, doctors will prescribe you a few options immediately after they detect traces of the disease in your body. It should come as no surprise that multiple types of cancer screening tests are available to diagnose its various variants in the human body. 

With the rising cases of cancer, it is advised that anyone with unusual symptoms get a thorough diagnosis. Even if your chances of having the disease are low, a proper screening test is necessary to double-check. The following article will try to list all the available types of cancer screening tests.

What are the standard screening tests for cancer? 

While few cancers demand specific screening tests, the following list, on the other hand, compiles some of the most common methods for this purpose. 

• Physical examination: One of the primary detection methods doctors use is a brief physical examination. They will scrutinize your body to detect any visible changes and ask for your family’s medical history. By chance, they are primarily looking for lumps, which can be a possible tumor. 
• Laboratory test: Various laboratory tests are necessary for screening for cancer. It typically includes blood tests, urine tests, and pap smears. For those unfamiliar with pap smears, it is a procedure under which the area around the cervix is examined for any cell changes under a microscope to detect cervical cancer early on. 
• Imaging test: One of the most essential methods to detect any underlying tumor is via imaging tests of the body. It clearly shows all the internal organs, which helps with the screening process. 
• Genetic test: Cancer can be transferred via genes, so your doctors recommend this test, when anyone from your biological family has a history of cancer. 
• Galleri test: One of the sought-after screening methods to detect over 50 types of cancer. However, talk to a health professional before applying for the test. 

Everything about breast cancer screening test

Since Breast cancer is a rising problem around the world, women are advised by health professionals to apply for mammograms. It is one of the best types of cancer screening tests, effective at detecting early traces of the disease when it is easier to cure. 

Doctors typically suggest that women below the age of 49 get themselves checked every year. Anyone aging above 50 should appear for a mammogram every two years. 

Cervical cancer screening tests 

Cervical cancer is likely to affect women and can be detected via a Pap smear test. In the process, the cells from the cervix are gently removed using a brush to check them under the microscope for potential signs of cancer. Here are some guidelines to follow before the test:

• Make sure to be 21 or older.
• Anyone between 21 and 29 years old should commit to the smear test once every three years.
• For anyone over 30, getting the test done once every three years is recommended. 

Colorectal cancer tests

Here is a complete list of colorectal cancer tests.

• Fecal Test: It searches for genetic mutations or blood in your feces. 
• Sigmoidoscopy: A scope is used to view the inside of your colon.
• Colonoscopy: A camera is inserted inside your rectum to get a clearer picture of any internal changes. 
• Virtual colonoscopy: It is a CT scan of the rectum area to detect any internal growth. 

For more queries regarding cancer, consult with Dr. Amit Gandhi. He is a selfless being, dedicated to improving his patient’s lives with his 15 years of experience as an Oncologist.