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Cancer Screening Tests

Which screening tests should be done for early diagnosis, and who should have them?

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cancer Screening Tests?

Cancer screening tests are tests applied at regular intervals to specific risk groups in order to detect early-stage cancers or pre-cancerous changes before symptoms appear. Treatment success and life expectancy are markedly higher in early-stage cancer; therefore, participation in screening programs can be life-saving.

Cancers with current evidence-based screening recommendations include breast cancer (mammography), cervical cancer (Pap/HPV testing), colorectal cancer (colonoscopy, fecal occult blood), lung cancer (low-dose CT, in heavy smokers), and prostate cancer (PSA testing).

Screening tests are not universal; they should be individualized to age, sex, family history, and other risk factors. The decision about which tests to perform and how often should be made together with your physician.

Symptoms

Screening tests are performed without symptoms
Breast cancer: mammography (yearly from age 40)
Cervical cancer: Pap smear and/or HPV testing in women aged 21-65
Colorectal cancer: colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test from age 45-50
Lung cancer: yearly low-dose CT in heavy smokers aged 50-80
Prostate cancer: PSA testing from age 50 (earlier based on risk factors)
Skin cancer: yearly dermatologic examination (especially in high-risk individuals)

Risk Factors

Benefit of screening: increased treatment success with early-stage diagnosis
False-positive results: unnecessary worry and additional workup
Overdiagnosis risk: detection of clinically insignificant lesions
False-negative results: tests that miss cancer
Screening method should be chosen based on age, risk group, and health status
Family history of cancer may bring screening start age earlier
Screening results should be evaluated by a specialist

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When you reach age 40 to plan breast cancer screening
  • From age 21 or upon becoming sexually active for cervical cancer screening
  • At age 45-50 to begin colorectal cancer screening
  • If there is a family history of cancer, plan earlier screening
  • Even without new symptoms, age-appropriate routine check-ups

Treatment Methods

01
Further diagnostic workup (biopsy, colonoscopy, etc.) for abnormal screening results
02
Early intervention to remove pre-cancerous lesions
03
Less intensive, less toxic treatment plans for early-stage cancer
04
Risk reduction strategies: lifestyle changes, preventive medication
05
Genetic counseling and prophylactic surgery (in high-risk individuals)
06
Regular follow-up and rescreening programs

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.