1️⃣ Blood Tests (CBC & Tumor Markers)
Routine blood tests can reveal:
- Unexplained anemia
- Abnormal white blood cell counts
- Signs of blood cancers (like leukemia)
Some tumor markers (like PSA, CA-125) can also raise early red flags—though they’re not diagnostic alone.
📝 Best for: Blood cancers, prostate, ovarian concerns
🕒 Frequency: Once a year (or as advised)
2️⃣ Mammography (For Breast Cancer)
A mammogram can detect tiny breast tumors years before a lump is felt.
- Recommended for women above 40
- Earlier if there’s a family history
📝 Best for: Breast cancer
🕒 Frequency: Every 1–2 years
3️⃣ Pap Smear & HPV Test
This simple test can detect precancerous changes in the cervix, long before cancer develops.
📝 Best for: Cervical cancer
🕒 Frequency: Every 3 years (Pap) or 5 years (Pap + HPV)
4️⃣ Colonoscopy / Stool Tests
Colon cancer often grows silently. Screening helps spot:
- Polyps (which can turn cancerous)
- Early-stage colorectal cancer
📝 Best for: Colon & rectal cancer
🕒 Frequency: After age 45 (earlier if high risk)
5️⃣ Low-Dose CT Scan (For Smokers)
For people with a history of smoking, this scan can detect early lung cancer before symptoms like cough or breathlessness appear.
📝 Best for: Lung cancer
🕒 Frequency: Yearly (high-risk individuals)
6️⃣ Oral, Skin & Physical Examination
Doctors can spot:
- Non-healing mouth ulcers
- Unusual moles or skin changes
- Lymph node swelling
These are often early signs people ignore.
📝 Best for: Oral cancer, skin cancer, lymphomas
🕒 Frequency: During routine health checkups
🚨 Warning Signs You Should NEVER Ignore
Even with tests, listen to your body:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Long-lasting pain or swelling
- Changes in bowel habits
- Lumps that don’t go away
💡 Final Takeaway
👉 Cancer doesn’t always announce itself with pain.
👉 Regular screenings + awareness = early diagnosis + higher survival.
