Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. However, there’s good news that most cancers can be detected early or even prevented through regular screening. Cancer screening tests for women are aimed to identify changes in the body even before symptoms start to appear. Through early detection, more treatment options, less aggressive therapies, and significantly better survival outcomes can be achieved. Yet, many women skip or delay in getting these vital screening tests due to lack of awareness, fear, or shame. Among females, the most common cancers are breast, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancers.
Vital cancer screening tests for women
• Breast cancer screening: Women who are above 40 years should undergo regular screening for breast cancer detection. It can be done either using a mammogram, breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and through self-breast examination.
i. Mammogram: It is an X-ray of the breast and one of the best ways for early cancer detection. With the help of mammograms, cancer can be found even before lumps or symptoms appear.
ii. Breast MRI: In this procedure, pictures of the breast are taken using magnets and radio waves. This technique is coupled with mammograms to detect breast cancer in high-risk females.
iii. Self-breast examination: Any changes in breast size or shape or the appearance of lumps can be easily felt during self-breast examination.
• Cervical cancer screening: Cancer of the cervix can be screened either by PAP smear or by HPV testing.
i. PAP smear: Females who are between 21 and 30 years should get this test done once in every three years. For women who are bit older (30-65 years), this screening test should be done every five years. PAP test looks for abnormal changes in cervical cells before they turn cancerous.
ii. HPV testing: An HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test looks for cervical cancer by examining a sample of cervical cells.
• Ovarian cancer screening: Ovarian cancer screening is carried out through pelvic examinations or transvaginal ultrasound (TVU). Other than this, CA-125 blood test is done to measure the amount of a protein in blood that is often higher in women with ovarian cancer.
• Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are usually performed to look for abnormal polyp growths that can later turn cancerous. Other than these tests, certain faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and immunochemical FOBT are also carried out to detect colorectal cancer.
• Lung cancer screening: This is done using low-dose helical CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This screening test is carried out in women who are heavy smokers.
Prioritizing regular cancer screenings among women is an important step towards safeguarding their long-term health. Screening not only helps in detecting and treating cancers in the early stages but also prevents certain cancers from developing altogether. It is important for every woman to stay informed and understand her personal risk factors against cancers common to females. By being proactive, scheduling regular screening tests, and staying aware of any abnormal changes in the body, a significant difference in women’s health and well-being can be achieved.