Q. Why is cancer screening important?
A. Because the effective way to survive cancer is to detect the disease at an early stage and completely eliminate it from the body, before the cancerous cells spread to the rest of the body. Screening identifies the presence of cancer even before the disease starts manifesting itself in the form of symptoms.
Q. What do the 4 stages of cancer indicate?
A. In stage 1, cancer is localized and tumour is small. In stage 2, cancer is still localized but tumour is larger. In stage 3, cancer has spread to nearby body parts and in stage 4, the cancer has metastasized and spread to distant body parts.
Q. What is the co-relation between cancer stage and survival rate?
A. The lower the stage at which cancer is detected, the greater are survival rates.
Q. Beyond which age annual cancer screening is advised?
A. After completion of 45 years.
Q. At screening camps testing is carried out for free?
A. Camps organized in rural areas , meant for underprivileged people, are usually free. Camps organised in cities and semi-urban areas may involve subsidised charges.
Q. Healthcare NGOs and organisations do not charge anything for screening?
A. Nominal charges may be applicable, to cover actual costs.
Q. Do Government hospitals (who have oncology departments) and Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) offer free screening?
A. Yes, especially for underprivileged segments of society. Others may have to pay a nominal fee.
Q. Do private hospitals and pathology labs offer cancer screening?
A. Private hospitals and pathology labs offer cancer screening as a separate package or as a part of general heath checkup package. However, regular commercial rates are applicable.
Q. Which cancers are covered in regular screening programmes?
A. Chest X-ray, mouth/throat examination and colonoscopy are conducted to detect lung, oral and colorectal cancers respectively. Mammography and pap-smear tests are conducted on women to check breast and cervical cancers respectively. PSA test for prostate cancer is additional for men over 50.
Q. What should be done on experiencing a warning sign for cancer?
A. Immediately, without delay, screening should be resorted to. The 7 warning signs are (a) Change in bowel or bladder habits (b) A sore that does not heal (c) Unusual bleeding or discharge (d) Thickening or lump on breast or elsewhere (e) Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing (f) Obvious change in wart or mole and (g) Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Q. Which cancers cause maximum fatalities in India?
A. Oral, lung, breast, cervical, head and neck cancers.
Q. What happens if cancer is found during the screening?
A. A cancer diagnosis is scary and overwhelming, but knowing is the first step toward the treatment you need. If your doctor sees something concerning during a screening, they will guide you through the next steps.
Q. Which are the most common cancers among men and women of India?
A. Oral, lung and colorectal cancers are the most common cancers among men. Breast, cervical and oral are prevalent among women.
Q. Do screening tests diagnose cancer?
A. No, screening is a start. If a screening test result is abnormal, more tests need to be done to check for cancer. For example, a screening mammogram may find a lump in the breast, but a diagnostic test will determine whether it is cancerous or not.
Q. What is a biopsy?
A. Biopsy is the procedure during which cells or tissues are removed so a pathologist can check them under a microscope for signs of cancer. A biopsy sample can be obtained by a needle or endoscopy or surgery.
Q. What is the difference between screening and early diagnosis?
A. Screening is done among healthy population to identify those who have a disease, but do not yet have symptoms. It is recommended for breast, cervical, oral and colorectal cancers.
On the other hand, 'early diagnosis on appearance of first symptoms' is applicable for all cancers. Here the key aspect is to
look for first symptoms, so that lesser number of persons are diagnosed at a late stage. Particularly relevant to cancers of the breast, cervix, mouth, larynx, colon & rectum, and skin.
Q. What is the difference between screening centres and screening camps?
A. Screening centres are permanent locations where NGOs and organisations have set up screening facilities. Screening camps are held in open grounds or community halls or residential complexes where personnel from NGOs and organisations arrive and carry out screening of people who have assembled for the purpose. The gallery page has photos of some screening events at centres and camps.
Q. Your list does not show any screening centre in the city where I live. How do I get screened?
A. Please enquire with hospitals in your city. Alternately, you may send us a message and we will try to help you.
Q. What would you expect from donors and visitors to this site?
A. Please ‘Like’ us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and ask your relatives and friends to do likewise. Please publicize about CancerScreening, through word-of-mouth.
Q. What is the best method to get in touch with CancerScreening?
A. In case your phone number is linked with Whatsapp, we prefer that you send us a Whatsapp message to 9820013164. Other options are by filling up the 'Contact Us' form or by sending an email to us.