How to screen for cancer early? Doctor: Tell you how to detect cancer early

Two lung cancer patients were admitted to the ward on the same day. They were of similar age, both worked in finance, and both had a beautiful daughter. They soon became close friends and agreed to climb Mount Tai together to watch the sunrise after their conditions improved.

However, half a year later, they had different endings. One was successfully discharged from the hospital after the operation and returned to work, while the other lost the opportunity for surgery because the cancer had metastasized and eventually left the world with regret.

Why did the two people who both had lung cancer have such different outcomes? The reason is that one of them was diagnosed with lung cancer through a health checkup, while the other was diagnosed with lung cancer after experiencing chest tightness symptoms. Although both had lung cancer and were of similar age, the tumor stages were completely different, and the prognosis was also very different. Cancer is not terrible. What is terrible is that it is discovered too late. When cancer cells spread throughout the body, doctors are often powerless. Therefore, early screening for cancer is crucial. So how to do early screening scientifically? Who needs early screening? Below we summarize the following most common early screening methods for cancer.

Early screening for lung cancer

Lung cancer has always been the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in my country. More than 80% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the late stage, which unfortunately misses the best time for treatment. That is why early screening for lung cancer is particularly important. According to the "Common Malignant Tumors and Prevention Recommendations for Residents" issued by the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association in 2020, the early screening requirements for lung cancer are as follows:

For those aged ≥40 years with at least one of the following risk factors, annual low-dose spiral CT screening of the chest is recommended:

Risk factors:

1. Smoking for ≥ 20 packs per day (e.g. one pack per day for 20 years), and quitting smoking for less than 15 years;

2. Passive smoking, mainly second-hand smoke or third-hand smoke

3. Those with a history of occupational exposure (asbestos, beryllium, uranium, radon, etc.);

4. Have a history of malignant tumor or family history of lung cancer;

5. Have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

Early screening for breast cancer Breast cancer is one of the common cancers that has long troubled women. Famous movie star Chen Xiaoxu and famous singer Yao Beina both died of breast cancer. For women, in addition to self-examination, regular and correct early screening is equally important. In the "Common Malignant Tumors and Prevention Recommendations for Residents" issued by the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association in 2020, the early screening requirements for breast cancer are as follows:

High-risk groups:

1. Patients with a history of breast ductal or lobular atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ.

2. Patients who have received chest radiotherapy before the age of 30.

3. There is an obvious genetic tendency.

1. General women

1. No screening is required before the age of 40

2. Start screening at age 40 and have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years;

3. For dense breasts (mammography shows that the glands are type C or type D), it is recommended to combine it with B-ultrasound examination;

4. For those over 70 years old who are in good health and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years, it is recommended to maintain screening and have a breast X-ray examination every 1 to 2 years.

2. People at high risk of breast cancer

1. There is no specific age limit, early screening is recommended

2. Have a mammogram every year;

3. Perform breast ultrasound examination every six months to one year;

4. Have a breast examination every six months to one year;

5. If breast nodules are found, an enhanced MRI examination should be performed once a year if necessary.

Early screening for liver cancer Liver cancer is a common and terrible tumor. Since early liver cancer often has no obvious symptoms, many people find that even in the late stage, famous movie stars Fu Biao and Wu Mengda, and well-known musician Zhao Yingjun all died of liver cancer. It is particularly important to do a good job in early screening for liver cancer. According to the "Common Malignant Tumors and Prevention Recommendations for Residents" issued by the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association in 2020, the early screening requirements for liver cancer are as follows:

High-risk groups for liver cancer:

1. Patients with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection;

2. Family history of liver cancer;

3. Patients with liver cirrhosis;

4. Patients with drug-induced liver damage;

5. Patients with inherited metabolic diseases;

6. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis;

7. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Screening methods:

1. High-risk groups for liver cancer, males aged 35 and over and females aged 45 and over, should be screened;

2. Combined use of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver B-ultrasound examination, screening once every 6 months.

Today's popular science ends here. The next section will continue to popularize the early screening of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and cervical cancer. I am Doctor Lion from a public tertiary hospital. I use my spare time to popularize medical knowledge for everyone. If you support me, please give me a like to support me, or forward it to your friends. If you have any questions, please leave a message.