Cancer Prevention or Screening

For many types of cancer, the chances of a cure are significantly higher if detected early. Therefore, it is important to take advantage of annual health check-ups for your own safety.

Cervical Cancer

A Pap test is an essential part of early cervical cancer detection and a simple, safe method for identifying changes in cervical tissue. Regular Pap tests can detect early signs of cell changes that may potentially develop into cancer. However, it's important to note that a Pap test is not a cancer screening tool but rather a test to monitor cell changes.

In addition to the Pap test, other methods of early cervical cancer detection include colposcopy and ultrasound. A colposcope is a specialized microscope used to examine the cervix more closely. Ultrasound imaging can provide a picture of the cervical tissue to detect potential changes.

It's crucial for women, especially those who are sexually active, to regularly screen for cervical health. Early detection of cervical cancer can lead to successful treatment and improved survival rates.

Ovarian Cancer

The most reliable method for early detection of ovarian cancer is an ultrasound examination. During cancer screenings, the ovaries are also examined to determine their size. However, detecting changes in the ovaries through a physical exam can be challenging because they are well-protected within the abdominal cavity. Therefore, this method can only diagnose advanced forms of ovarian cancer. If unclear symptoms like abdominal pain, pressure, or spotting occur, a gynecological examination is crucial. Modern high-frequency ultrasound devices can detect early stages of ovarian cancer, significantly improving the chances of a cure.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, surgery is the only way to histologically examine the tumor.

Colorectal Cancer

As part of cancer prevention, a gynecologist will also perform an immunological stool test for occult blood. This test can detect sources of bleeding in the intestines, such as polyps or colorectal cancer, by reacting to human blood. If there is suspicion of an intestinal disease, further examinations by an internist or gastroenterologist will be ordered.

Breast Cancer

Important methods for early detection of breast cancer include self-examinations, clinical exams by a gynecologist, mammography, and ultrasound. Regular monthly self-examinations and yearly clinical exams by a gynecologist are especially important. The best time for a self-examination is shortly after the end of menstruation. If changes are noticed during the self-examination, it is important to see a doctor.

Changes to watch out for include lumps, alterations in the shape, size, or mobility of the breasts, hard tissue changes, retracted nipples or skin, redness under the nipple, brown or bloody discharge, and enlarged lymph nodes around the breast or in the armpit. It's important to note that not every lump is malignant.

Important Methods for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Mammography:

Mammography is an essential component of cancer screening and helps detect breast cancer at an early stage before visible symptoms arise. It is crucial to have regular mammograms to reduce the risk of breast cancer and ensure early treatment.

Ultrasound:

Another tool for early detection of breast cancer is ultrasound. It uses sound waves to examine the breast and detect changes in the tissue. Ultrasound is particularly well-suited for evaluating palpable lumps and helps distinguish between benign and malignant changes. It can also be used to monitor changes in breast tissue detected during earlier examinations.

Ultrasound can determine whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a glandular tissue nodule. If a suspicious lump is found in the breast, a tissue sample must be taken through a core needle biopsy and examined microscopically.