Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but early detection through preventive screening can significantly improve outcomes. Preventive cancer screening involves testing for cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention and treatment. This article explores the importance of preventive cancer screening, the types of screenings available, and tips for staying proactive about your health.

Why preventive cancer screening matters¹

• Early detection: Identifying cancer at an early stage increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
• Reduced mortality: Regular screenings can lower the risk of dying from certain types of cancer.
• Improved quality of life: Early treatment can prevent the progression of cancer, reducing the need for more aggressive treatments and improving quality of life.
• Cost-effective: Early detection and treatment can be less costly than treating advanced cancer.

The following infographics detail how earlier detection increases survival, and how regular screenings can reduce mortality across certain cancer types.^2,3

Proportion of people surviving their cancer for five years or more

Type of cancer	Diagnosed at earliest stage (Stage 1)	Diagnosed at latest stage (Stage 4)
Lung
Bowel
Breast

Common types of cancer screenings^4,5

There are several types of cancer screenings available, each targeting specific cancers. Here are some of the most common:

Breast cancer

• Clinical breast exam: A physical examination of the breasts by a healthcare professional.
• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer. Women aged 50 to 74 are typically recommended to have a mammogram every two years. However, there are specific circumstances where younger women might need to consider earlier screening such as those with high-risk factors (BRCA gene mutations, family history of breast cancer), or physical symptoms (unusual changes such as a lump).⁶

Cervical cancer

• Pap smear: A test that collects cells from the cervix to detect precancerous or cancerous changes.
• HPV test: Tests for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer. This is often done in conjunction with a Pap smear.
• Screening schedule: It is recommended that women aged 25 to 65 have a primary HPV test every 5 years. If primary HPV testing is not available, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Pap test every 5 years, or a Pap test alone every 3 years.⁷

Colorectal cancer

• Faecal occult blood test (FOBT): A test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
• Colonoscopy: An examination of the colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera. Recommended for adults aged 50 and above every ten years.

Prostate cancer

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Men aged 50 and older should discuss the benefits and risks of PSA testing with their doctor.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): A physical examination of the prostate gland.

Lung cancer

• Low dose computed tomography (LDCT): A type of CT scan that uses low doses of radiation to create detailed images of the lungs. Recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking.

Tips for staying proactive

• Discuss with your doctor: Have regular discussions with your healthcare provider about your screening needs and any concerns you may have.
• Know your risk factors: Understand your personal risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle choices, to determine which screenings are most relevant for you.
• Follow screening guidelines: Adhere to recommended screening schedules based on your age, gender, and risk factors.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption to reduce your overall cancer risk.

DID YOU KNOW?
With the rising incidence of cancer, regular screening for the more common types of cancer becomes important as it allows for early detection before symptoms manifest. This proactive approach not only increases the chances of successful treatment, but also empowers people to make lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of cancer recurrence in the future.

Cancer screening packages typically comprise of a physical examination and a series of tests that include blood investigations and diagnostic scans. Given the wide range of packages depending on the types of cancers being screened, your regular doctor can offer advice on which package would be most appropriate based on your age and specific risk factors.

Dr Lee Ming Yong
Medical Director of Clinical Services
Fullerton Health

References

1. Why Go For Regular Cancer Screening? Singapore Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-screened/why-go-for-regular-cancer-screening.html.
2. Why is early cancer diagnosis important? Cancer Research UK. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms/why-is-early-diagnosis-important/1000#:~:text=Cancer%20that's%20diagnosed%20at%20an,isn't%20normal%20for%20you.
3. Bretthauer M, Wieszczy P, Løberg M, et al. Estimated Lifetime Gained With Cancer Screening Tests: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Intern Med. 2023;183(11):1196-1203.
4. Cancer Screening Tests. U.S. Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/screening.html#:~:text=Screening%20means%20checking%20your%20body,who%20are%20at%20high%20risk.
5. Screening Tests. National Cancer Institute. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/screening-tests.
6. Early-Onset Breast Cancer (Breast Cancer in Young Women). Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16805-breast-cancer-in-young-women.
7. HPV Testing. American Cancer Society. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing.html.