What is Cancer Screening?
When it comes to preventing cancer, early detection is key. That's why cancer screening is so important. Even if you feel healthy and symptom-free, getting screened can help catch any potential signs of cancer before it has the chance to spread. It may not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but taking the time to get screened could truly be lifesaving.
The main benefit of cancer screening tests in the Philippines is that they can find tumors at an early stage before they've had the chance to spread to other parts of the body. This not only makes treatment easier and more effective, but it can also prevent or delay the development of cancer.
Who Should Go Through Cancer Screening?
Cancer screening is recommended for people of different ages and genders, depending on the type of cancer being screened for. The following are some common types of cancer screenings:
- Breast Cancer - Women ages 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) every 3 years. Women with an average risk of breast cancer should begin getting screening mammograms at age 40 and continue having these tests every two years until age 54.
- Colorectal Cancer - Most people between the ages of 50 and 75 should have regular colorectal cancer screenings, such as a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), EZ Detect, colonoscopy, and/or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Cervical/Gynecological Cancer - Women ages 21 or older should have a Pap smear every 3-5 years. HPV DNA tests may be recommended for women 30 and older.
- Prostate Cancer - Men ages 50 and older should have a digital rectal examination (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test every 3 years.
Cancer Screening Tests by Site
Breast Cancer
- CBE - A clinical breast exam (CBE) is used to check for lumps or other unusual changes in the breasts and armpits.
- Mammogram - This cancer test uses X-rays to detect potential tumors that can't be felt during a CBE. A mammogram should be performed every two years beginning at age 40.
Colorectal Cancer
- FOBT - A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is used to check for traces of blood in the stool which could indicate colorectal cancer.
- EZ Detect - EZ Detect is a colon cancer screening test that uses an immunochemical test combined with a fecal occult blood test to detect early signs of cancer.
- Colonoscopy - A colonoscopy is an examination of the entire large intestine, and flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam of the lower part of the large intestine.
Cervical/Gynecological Cancer
- Pap Smear - A Pap smear (also known as a Pap test) is a procedure to collect cells from your cervix, which are then tested for abnormalities.
- HPV DNA - These tests are used to detect the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer.
Prostate Cancer
- DRE - A digital rectal examination (DRE) is an exam in which a doctor or nurse uses a gloved finger to feel for any changes in the prostate.
- PSA - A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in your blood, which can be a sign of prostate cancer.
At TMC's Cancer Screening program, we provide comprehensive information and guidance on screenings so that you can make informed decisions about your health care and receive appropriate care. If you're age 50 or older, it's important to talk with your doctor about what kind of cancer tests in the Philippines are right for you.
Together, we can work towards reducing the risk of developing cancer and detect any early signs so that treatment can be administered quickly and effectively.