Timely cancer screening remains important even when symptoms are absent
CNN Central News and Networks / ITDC India Epress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
In the early stages of cancer, there are often no clear symptoms in the body. A person may feel completely healthy, but the disease can develop gradually. This is why timely screening is considered an important way to prevent cancer and detect it early. However, completing 30 years of age does not mean that every person should be tested for all types of cancer. The decision to undergo screening should be based on age, gender, family history and individual risk.
Under India’s national health programme, the focus is on screening people aged 30 years and above for three major cancers. These include cancers of the mouth, breast and cervix. Screening for breast and cervical cancer is important for women, while those who consume tobacco, gutkha or beedi-cigarettes should be especially alert to the risk of oral cancer. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs also have facilities for screening these cancers for people above 30 years of age.
People with a family history of cancer should discuss with a doctor their need for testing and the right time for it. Some genetic factors can make the risk higher than normal. In addition, staying away from tobacco and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce risk.
A new lump in the body, a mouth sore that does not heal for a long time, unexplained weight loss, abnormal bleeding or persistent discomfort should not be ignored. If such symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted instead of waiting for routine screening. Timely and appropriate testing can improve the chances of identifying and treating the disease.
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