Screening Tools for Common Cancers

In the present era, because of changing lifestyles and stress, various new diseases are emerging as a major health problem worldwide. Fields like medicine and technology are also getting more advanced, but mortality and morbidity rates are still increasing. In India, after cardiac diseases, cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality and mainly accounts for 9% of all deaths. Because of a lack of awareness, diagnostic facilities, and screening programs, nearly 75-80% of cancer patients approach hospitals at an advanced stage (stage 3-4). If cancer is detected in the early stage then it is treated easily. Screening is an essential and effective preventive measure in cancer control. The main aim of cancer screening is to detect cancer before the manifestation of symptoms. It is advised for various cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, etc. Cancer screening is mainly helpful in cancer prevention, early detection, and subsequent treatment. Multiple tools like urine tests, blood tests, medical imaging or DNA tests, etc., are mainly used for screening. They help to decrease the total number of people dying of cancer through its early detection and better treatment.