Can We Get Hold of Cancer Before It is too Late?

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Highlights:

• Cancer screening is essential for the early detection of cancer, which can lead to better outcomes and higher survival rates
• Vaccinations for Hepatitis B and HPV can significantly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active, can help prevent cancer

Let's imagine a scenario where a 50-year-old gentleman goes to the hospital, only to discover that he has stage 4 lung cancer with no prior history of smoking or passive smoking. This news broke down the family and generated a sense of fear that he would not survive, but the same scenario got him to question why he had been diagnosed earlier with the disease, which would have changed the entire narrative of the situation.

So, this brings us to our scenario, where we talk about "age-specific screening for early detection of cancer."

‘There is rising evidence about the proven usefulness of cancer prevention techniques and screening tools in detecting cancer at an early stage for better survival.’

Cancer has become a public health concern in India, affecting nearly every family. Despite the greatest attempts, most malignancies are detected at advanced stages, resulting in poor outcomes. There is rising evidence about the proven usefulness of cancer prevention techniques and screening tools in detecting cancer at an early stage for better survival.

Can Vaccination Prevent Cancer?

Hepatitis B vaccines are available, which can reduce the risk of liver and cervical malignancies, respectively. Cervical and other cancers are reduced with HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccinations. Cervarix, Gardasil, and Gardasil 9 are the HPV vaccines that are now available.

WHO currently recommends one or two doses for girls aged nine to 17 years, one or two doses for girls and women aged 15 to 20 years, and two doses with a six-month gap for women over 21 years. Gardasil 9, which protects against nine subtypes of HPV and provides 100 percent protection, is indicated for all eligible age groups at 0, 2, and 6 months (three doses) (1^✔).

It is strongly advised that you get an HPV vaccination because the virus is a risk factor for five malignancies in women that are avoidable. Screening, which refers to the use of basic tests in a healthy population without symptoms to discover the disease early, allows for early diagnosis and prevention. It is currently a proven life-saving treatment for breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal malignancies (2^✔).

How do you Detect Cancer at an Early Stage?

The age group recommendations are as follows:

21-39 years

: Those with a family history of breast or colon cancer are advised to begin screening as soon as possible if their risk is higher than usual. Cervical cancer screening should begin at the age of 25, with primary HPV testing every five years or co-testing with HPV DNA + Paps tests every five years or Paps tests every three years.

40-65 years

: Individuals at average risk can begin screening for colon cancer at age 45, with yearly stool-based testing, colonoscopies every ten years, and sigmoidoscopies every five years. Yearly mammography is suggested for women aged 45 to 54, and then every two years for breast cancer screening. Cervical cancer screening should begin with primary HPV testing every five years, followed by co-testing with HPV DNA + Paps tests every five years or Paps tests every three years. Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is advised after 50 years for people who have smoked for 20 pack years.

More than 65 years-up to 75 years

: colon cancer screening and cervical cancer screening for 10 years with regular testing until negative results.

Up to 80 years

: Screening for lung cancer is required for people up to 80 years old.

Cancer screening is an important public health strategy that improves outcomes, but many people do not even attempt to approach healthcare facilities.

Prevention is Better than Cure

• Avoid using tobacco products (cigarettes, beedi, zarda, and paan masala) (3^✔)
• Keep your house and workplace smoke-free, and avoid going to smoky locations
• Strive to maintain a healthy body weight through frequent exercise and a nutritious diet
• Be physically active in everyday life (4^✔)
• Eat a healthy diet (low in fat, sugar, and salt)
• Avoid alcohol

References:

1. WHO updates recommendations on HPV vaccination schedule - (https:www.who.int/news/item/20-12-2022-WHO-updates-recommendations-on-HPV-vaccination-schedule)
2. Cervical cancer in India and HPV vaccination - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22754202/)
3. Smokeless tobacco (paan and gutkha) consumption, prevalence, and contribution to oral cancer - (https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5543298/)
4. Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight - (https:www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html)

Source: Medindia

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