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According to statistics from the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for one in every six deaths. In the UAE it is the third leading cause of mortality. However, most types of cancers are treatable when caught in the early stages. That is why cancer screening blood test is important as it can help identify different types of cancers even before they progress. Early detection of cancer saves and prolongs the life of the patient as well.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is cancer screening?
- 2 Early Symptoms of Cancer
- 3 How can cancer be detected at an early stage?
- 4 Types Of Different Cancer Screening Tests
- 5 What is genetic testing for cancer?
- 6 Cost Of Cancer Screening Test
- 7 Cancer Screening Blood Test and Detection FAQs
- 7.1 Can all forms of cancers be detected in blood tests?
- 7.2 What is the most common test used for diagnosing cancer?
- 7.3 Why is early cancer detection important?
- 7.4 Can all types of cancers be cured if they are caught early?
- 7.5 What stage are most cancers diagnosed?
- 7.6 What stage is cancer aggressive?
- 7.7 Who is at most risk for cancer?
- 8 Consult an Expert
What is cancer screening?
Cancer screening is a test done to help find the early signs of cancer such as abnormal cells that may turn to be cancerous even when the patient is not exhibiting any symptoms. It can help to detect cancer when it is in the early stages, which is when most cancer treatments are likely to be successful. In some cases, treating these early changes can prevent cancer from developing or spreading in the first place.
Cancer screening can help with the early detection of different types of cancer, but most commonly the following types:
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
Early Symptoms of Cancer
As cancer starts to develop, it can begin to push or grow on nearby blood vessels, nerves, and organs. This pressure translates into some of the symptoms of cancer, which include:
- Weight gain or loss for no known reason
- Fatigue that doesn’t get better with resting
- Lumps anywhere in the body
- Eating issues such as trouble swallowing, nausea, not feeling hungry, and vomiting
- Pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse
- Hoarseness or cough that is not going away
- Skin changes such as a sore that does not heal, a lump that does not bleed, a new mole or changes in an old mole, or jaundice
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Headaches
- Night sweats or fevers
- Hearing or visual problems
- Mouth problems such as numbness, bleeding, sores, or pain
How can cancer be detected at an early stage?
Diagnosing most types of cancers in their early stages often provides the best chance for treatment or cure. If a particular type of cancer runs in your family, it is important to go for an annual cancer screening. However, cancer can affect anyone and that is why regular checkups and screenings are recommended. Studies show that getting screened for cancer saves lives by diagnosing cancer early.
Screening tests for cancer include:
- Blood protein test
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Biopsy
- Circulating tumor cells test
- Brain tumor test
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computerized Tomography scan (CT scan)
- Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET scan)
Types Of Different Cancer Screening Tests
There are various forms of cancer and each type of cancer has its unique screening tests.
Below are some of the different types of cancer and the types of tests done to diagnose them:
Breast Cancer Screening
- Breast self-examination. This is a test that a woman performs on herself by looking and feeling for any changes in her breasts, such as lumps.
- Clinical breast examination. This involves a medical professional looking and feeling for any changes in a woman’s breast, including the nipples and breast skin.
- Mammography. This is a type of x-ray designed to view the breast. It can show irregularities or tumors in the breasts.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is usually helpful for detecting cancer in women who are at a higher risk, those who have dense breasts, or those with a lump found during a breast exam.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy. This test involves the practitioner inserting a colonoscope – a flexible lighted tube into the rectum. This enables the doctor to check for polyps or cancer.
- Stool DNA tests. This test analyzes the DNA from a stool sample to look for signs of cancer. It can detect changes in polyps which helps a doctor to determine if a colonoscopy is needed.
- Sigmoidoscopy. This uses a flexible lighted tube known as a sigmoidoscope to check for polyps and cancer in the lower colon.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT). This test locates blood in the stool which can be a sign of polyps.
- Double-contrast barium enema. This is an x-ray performed on the colon and rectum. The barium enema outlines the colon and the rectum to be more visible. This test is used on people who cannot undergo a colonoscopy.
Prostate Cancer Screening
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This is a blood test that measures the level of PSA. Men with prostate cancer usually have higher than normal levels of PSA.
- Digital rectal examination. This test involves a doctor inserting a gloved lubricated finger into a man’s rectum to feel the surface of the prostate for any irregularities.
What is genetic testing for cancer?
Genetic testing for cancer helps in estimating the chances of a person developing cancer in their lifetime. This is done by looking for specific changes or mutations in the person’s genes, proteins, or chromosomes.
Some types of cancers that a person can undergo genetic testing include:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Sarcoma
- Melanoma
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney cancer
Cost Of Cancer Screening Test
Cancer comes in various forms and each type requires a different screening test for diagnosis. This makes cancer screening tests in Dubai not have a fixed price. If you desire to know the exact cost of your cancer screening test, get in touch with us.
Cancer Screening Blood Test and Detection FAQs
Can all forms of cancers be detected in blood tests?
Not all forms of cancer can be detected in blood tests. Different types of cancers require different types of diagnostic tests.
What is the most common test used for diagnosing cancer?
Biopsy. This involves the doctor collecting cell samples from the affected area for testing in the laboratory.
Why is early cancer detection important?
Detecting cancer in its early stages provides the best possibility for successful treatment.
Can all types of cancers be cured if they are caught early?
Most cases of cancer are curable if diagnosed and treated early enough.
What stage are most cancers diagnosed?
Cancer is staged from I-IV with IV being the most serious of all stages. Most cancers are diagnosed when symptoms start to appear.
What stage is cancer aggressive?
An aggressive cancer is usually in stages 3 and 4. That is when the cancerous cells spread more aggressively.
Who is at most risk for cancer?
People who are at most risks of cancer include those who smoke, are obese, older, have a history of cancer in their family, use specific chemicals, are exposed to radiation, and are prone to viral infections such as HPV.
Consult an Expert
A cancer screening test is important because anyone can get cancer. At Euromed Clinic Center we conduct cancer screening tests and you can get in touch with us if you think you are genetically disposed to having cancer or if you simply want to undergo the screening test. You can schedule an appointment by filling out the online form or calling us.
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