Early Cancer Detection: The Importance of Awareness and Self-Examination

By Dr. Saurabh Tiwari in Cancer Care / Oncology

Jun 07 , 2023 | 3 min read

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that affects millions of lives worldwide. Early detection plays a crucial role in increasing survival rates and improving treatment outcomes. Let’s explore the importance of cancer awareness and provide practical information on how to detect signs and symptoms at an early stage.

Common Warning Signs and Symptoms

While the specific symptoms of cancer vary, it is essential to be aware of some general warning signs.

Organ	Common Types of Cancer	Warning Signs and Symptoms
Breast	Breast Cancer	Lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or inversion, skin changes (dimpling, redness, or puckering)
Lung	Lung Cancer	Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, hoarseness, recurrent respiratory infections
Colon/Rectum	Colorectal Cancer	Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation), blood in stool, abdominal pain or cramps, unexplained weight loss
Prostate	Prostate Cancer	Frequent urination, weak urine flow, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
Skin	Melanoma	Unusual skin growth or changes in moles (asymmetry, irregular borders, colour variations, size enlargement), sores that don't heal, itchiness or tenderness
Cervix	Cervical Cancer	Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, increased vaginal discharge, post coital bleed
Ovary	Ovarian Cancer	Abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic pain, frequent urination, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits
Pancreas	Pancreatic Cancer	Abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), loss of appetite, digestive problems
Liver	Liver Cancer	Abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
Stomach	Stomach Cancer	Abdominal pain or discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, bloating, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing
Bladder	Bladder Cancer	Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, pelvic pain, urinary urgency or incontinence

Please note that these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it is always better to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate testing.

Routine Screenings and Diagnostic Tests

Screenings are effective tools for early detection as they can identify cancer before symptoms manifest.

Type of Cancer	Screening/Diagnostic Test	Targeted Population
Breast Cancer	Mammogram	Women aged 40 and above (recommendations may vary)
Cervical Cancer	Pap Smear	Women aged 21 and above (recommendations may vary)
Colorectal Cancer	Colonoscopy	Adults aged 45-75 (earlier for high-risk individuals)
Prostate Cancer	Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test	Men aged 50 and above (earlier for high-risk individuals)
Lung Cancer	Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Scan	Adults aged 55-80 with a significant smoking history
Skin Cancer	Skin Examination and Biopsy	Individuals with suspicious skin lesions or high-risk
Ovarian Cancer	Transvaginal Ultrasound, CA-125 Test	Women with a family history or high-risk factors
Pancreatic Cancer	No specific routine screening	High-risk individuals may undergo genetic testing
Liver Cancer	No specific routine screening	High-risk individuals may undergo imaging tests
Stomach Cancer	No specific routine screening	High-risk individuals may undergo endoscopy
Bladder Cancer	Urine Cytology, Cystoscopy	Individuals with symptoms or high-risk factors

These screenings can detect abnormal changes in the body. Regular participation in recommended screenings is vital, particularly for people with a family history of cancer or other high-risk factors.

Empowering Self-Examinations

In addition to screenings, self-examinations play an important role in detecting early signs of cancer.

Here are some key points highlighting the role of self-examination in early cancer detection:

Breast Self-Examination:

Breast self-examination enables individuals to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts.
By performing monthly breast self-exams, individuals can detect any new lumps, changes in size or shape, skin abnormalities, nipple discharge, or other unusual breast changes.
Early detection of breast cancer through self-examination can lead to timely medical intervention, improving treatment outcomes and increasing the chances of survival.

Skin Self-Examination:

Regular skin self-examinations help in detecting skin cancers like melanoma at an early stage.
Individuals can examine their skin from head to toe, looking for any new moles, changes in existing moles (such as asymmetry, irregular borders, colour variations, or size enlargement), or other skin abnormalities.

Testicular Self-Examination:

Testicular self-examination involves checking the testicles for any lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities.
By performing monthly testicular self-exams, individuals can identify any changes in size, shape, or consistency of the testicles, which may be signs of testicular cancer.
Early detection of testicular cancer through self-examination can lead to timely medical intervention, potentially improving treatment outcomes and preserving fertility.

Oral Self-Examination:

Oral self-examinations involve inspecting the mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual growths, sores, or changes in colour or texture.
Regular oral self-examinations can help detect early signs of oral cancers, allowing individuals to seek dental or medical attention for further evaluation.

By empowering individuals to perform these simple yet effective self-examinations, we encourage early detection and proactive healthcare.

By educating individuals about the warning signs, emphasising the importance of routine screenings, and empowering them with knowledge about self-examinations, we can enable people to take proactive steps in managing their health. Take the first step towards prioritising your health. If you have any concerns or need guidance, we urge you to consult your healthcare provider or specialist.