Cancer screening: How can the laboratory department become your "health guardian"? Here is the answer!

In modern society, cancer has become one of the major diseases threatening human health. However, with the advancement of medical technology and people's deepening understanding of cancer, we gradually realize that many cancers can be effectively prevented or treated through early screening and diagnosis.

As an important part of the medical system, the laboratory department has become an important guardian of our health through a series of advanced detection technologies and methods, and plays a vital role in cancer screening.

Next, Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital) will lead an in-depth discussion on the importance of cancer screening, the application of the laboratory in cancer screening, and how to achieve early detection and early prevention of cancer through the laboratory.

1. The Importance of Cancer Screening

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell proliferation. If not detected and treated in time, cancer cells will spread rapidly and threaten life. However, many cancers have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, which means that many patients have already entered the middle and late stages when they are diagnosed, missing the best time for treatment.

Therefore, cancer screening is particularly important. Through screening, we can detect and diagnose cancer in the early stages of its development, so as to take timely and effective treatment measures, improve the cure rate and reduce the mortality rate.

2. Application of Laboratory Department in Cancer Screening

As the core department of medical testing, the Laboratory Department provides strong support for cancer screening through a series of advanced testing technologies and methods. These technologies include but are not limited to blood tests, urine tests, tissue biopsies, imaging tests, etc.

1. Blood test

Blood tests are one of the most commonly used methods for cancer screening. By testing specific markers in the blood, such as tumor markers, a preliminary assessment of cancer risk can be made. Tumor markers are substances produced by tumor cells or the body's response to tumor cells, and their levels are often higher in cancer patients. Although tumor markers cannot directly diagnose cancer, their abnormal elevation can serve as a clue for further testing.

Common tumor markers include:

PSA (prostate-specific antigen): used to screen for prostate cancer.

CA-125 (cancer antigen 125): used to screen for ovarian cancer.

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen): used for screening of colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer and other cancers.

AFP (alpha-fetoprotein): used for screening of liver cancer and yolk sac tumor.

It should be noted that an abnormal increase in tumor markers does not necessarily mean the presence of cancer, but may also be caused by other factors. Therefore, when abnormal tumor markers are found, further examinations should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Urine test

Urine testing is also a common method for cancer screening. By detecting specific components in urine, it is possible to preliminarily determine whether there is a risk of urinary system cancer. For example, an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in urine may indicate the presence of bladder cancer or kidney cancer. However, the sensitivity of urine testing is relatively low and usually needs to be combined with other testing methods to improve accuracy.

3. Tissue Biopsy

Tissue biopsy is the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. By taking a small piece of tissue from the suspected tumor site for pathological examination, it can be determined whether cancer cells are present and the type and grade of cancer cells. Tissue biopsy usually needs to be performed under the guidance of a doctor and may be accompanied by certain risks and discomfort. However, for patients suspected of cancer, tissue biopsy is a necessary step to confirm the diagnosis of cancer.

4. Imaging examination

Imaging examinations also play an important role in cancer screening and diagnosis. Through imaging examination methods such as X-rays, CT, and MRI, the structure and morphological changes of internal organs of the human body can be observed, and abnormal masses or space-occupying lesions can be found. Imaging examinations can not only help doctors determine the location and size of cancer, but also provide important basis for formulating treatment plans.

3. How to achieve early detection and early prevention of cancer through the laboratory department

To achieve early detection and prevention of cancer, we need to make full use of the various detection technologies and methods provided by the laboratory. Here are some suggestions:

Regular physical examinations: Regular physical examinations are an important way to detect early signs of cancer. Through physical examinations, we can promptly detect abnormalities in the body, such as lumps, pain, etc., and further examinations can be performed to determine whether there is a risk of cancer.

Pay attention to family medical history: Some cancers are hereditary. If there is a cancer patient in the family, we should pay more attention to our own health and conduct regular screening for related cancers.

Understand cancer screening guidelines: Different cancers have different screening guidelines. We should understand the screening method and frequency that is suitable for us based on our age, gender, family history and other factors. For example, women should undergo regular screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer; men should pay attention to prostate cancer screening.

Seek medical attention promptly: If you find any abnormalities in your body, such as persistent pain, lumps, bleeding, etc., you should seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor of your symptoms and concerns. The doctor will arrange appropriate examinations to confirm the diagnosis based on the situation.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is an important measure to prevent cancer. We should maintain a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep and a good attitude, and avoid bad habits such as smoking and drinking.

IV. Conclusion

Cancer screening is an important means of preventing and treating cancer. As the core department of medical testing, the laboratory department provides us with valuable health information and clues for cancer screening through advanced testing technologies and methods. By having regular physical examinations, paying attention to family medical history, understanding cancer screening guidelines, seeking medical treatment in a timely manner, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we can better utilize the resources provided by the laboratory department to achieve early detection and prevention of cancer.

Let us work together to protect our health!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Peng Yuyu, Department of Laboratory, Hunan Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital)

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(Edited by Wx)