All You Need To Know About Cancer Screening Tests For Women

Cancer is a widespread health concern impacting many lives worldwide, and women are more susceptible to such health concerns. Therefore, it's crucial for women to be aware of the available cancer screening tests and prioritize their health. These cancer tests are essential for early detection, leading to timely treatment and improved outcomes.

In this blog, let’s explore the importance of various cancer screening tests for women. Before that, let’s first understand what cancer is and how it affects the body. 

What Is Cancer? 

Cancer is a disease that involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body, affecting various organs and tissues.¹

In India, it was estimated that there were 14,61,427 incident cases of cancer in 2022, with a crude rate of 100.4 per 100,000 population. Shockingly, statistics show that one in nine individuals in India may face the possibility of developing cancer during their lifetime.²

Now, let’s dive into different screening tests for cancers in women.

Cancer Screening Tests For Women

Women should undergo regular screening tests to detect cancer early before symptoms appear.³ Moreover, these tests involve mammograms to identify breast cancers, Pap smears for cervical cancer, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancers. However, the test depends on a person’s age, risk factors, and medical history. ^{3 4} The following list includes some cancer screening tests for women:

• Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening for women starts between 40 and 49 years of age with mammograms, a type of breast X-ray. These exams are important to find any signs or abnormalities that could indicate breast cancer. And if you find anything unusual or symptoms like lumps in the breasts, pain etc, immediately report to your doctor so that they can help with the future steps. Moreover, according to some medical guidelines, Women aged 55 and older should have mammograms every two years, or yearly if preferred. ^{3 5 6}

• Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening involves a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs.⁷

The criteria for the test include: ⁸

• A woman between 55 and 80 years of age.
• Habit of smoking or quit smoking in the last 15 years.
• Having a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (A pack-year is smoking one pack of cigarettes per day for a year).

These cancer screening tests for women help detect early signs of lung cancer by capturing detailed images of the lungs. Regular screening can increase the chances of detecting lung cancer early when treatment is most effective. It is important to consult the doctor for proper lung cancer screening. ⁷ 

• Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Therefore, women should receive regular cancer screenings for early detection, starting at age 50. These screenings include stool-based tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower part of the large intestine), and colonoscopy (inspecting the entire large intestine for abnormalities or cancer signs). Detecting cancer early through these techniques helps in better treatment and results. However, the frequency of screening depends on the woman's risk factors which the doctor will be able to guide.^{10 11 12} 

• Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that originates in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is primarily caused by sexually transmitted HPV infection and ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally. In its early stages, cervical cancer often presents unnoticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms like post-intercourse bleeding, pelvic pain, and bloody vaginal discharge may occur. Notably, around 50% of high-grade cervical cancers are associated with HPV types 16 and 18.^{13 14}

Regular screening for cervical cancer involves Pap smears and HPV tests to identify the signs and symptoms of the disease. It’s important for women who are sexually active to undergo this screening. ¹⁵ Please follow the guidance of your healthcare providers regarding when and how often to undergo these screening tests.

LifeCell's HPV Test - Female Kit which is an at-home self-collection kit offers a convenient option for screening. It detects 24 high-risk HPV strains (3 major - types 16,18, and 45, and 21 other high-risk strains). 

• Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer, often caused by UV radiation, highlights the need for regular cancer screenings for women. Every woman at age 18 should either visit a dermatologist regularly or do self-tests to check for changes in size, shape, colour, or texture of spots and moles. This routine helps in identifying symptoms early. Additionally, you should also familiarize yourself with the "ABCDEs" of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Always check for moles with Asymmetry, irregular Borders, uneven Color, a Diameter larger than a pea or pencil eraser, and Evolving or changing features. ¹⁶

Overall, proactive and regular screenings, along with self-examination, significantly contribute to the early detection and prompt treatment of skin cancer.

Now that we have discussed some important cancer screening tests for women, let’s move to the section about cancer prevention.

Cancer Prevention

Preventing cancer is crucial for everyone including both men's and women's health. Here are some key steps for cancer prevention:

• Screening Tests: Early Detection For Better Treatment

Regular cancer screening tests for women are pivotal in early detection, leading to more effective treatment outcomes. Prioritizing breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancer screenings is crucial for women's health. These tests can help find abnormalities of cancer before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Additionally, for individuals at high risk, lung cancer screening may be recommended to ensure early detection.

• Vaccines (Shots): Lowering Cancer Risk Through Immunization

Vaccines, commonly known as shots, offer protection against certain cancers. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is particularly effective in preventing most cases of cervical cancer, as well as several other types of cancer linked to HPV infections. Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer.

• Healthy Choices: Reducing Your Risk Of Cancer

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including weight management, tobacco avoidance, moderate alcohol intake, and sun protection, reduces cancer risk and promotes well-being.

Conclusion

We hope this blog provides you with all the important facts about cancer screenings for women. Therefore, prioritizing regular screening helps you in the early detection of symptoms, if any. With early detection, one can opt for better treatment and take proactive measures against the challenges of cancer. So, ladies! Always remember your health is your strength. Get screened and take charge of your well-being!

Illuminate your path, with a test so true,

LifeCell stands by, guiding and supporting you.

*Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.