Early Detection of Cancer

Early Detection of Cancer

Cancer is a major health issue, with 10 million deaths worldwide each year due to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death globally, responsible for one in every six deaths. For almost all types of cancer, the chances of survival significantly increase if the disease is detected, diagnosed, and treated at an early stage.
Survival rates improve when cancer is detected early, as early detection of cancer or precancerous changes allows for early intervention to slow or prevent cancer progression.

How to detect cancer early?

Early cancer detection in the best early detection institute in Iraq greatly increases the chances of successful treatment among your family and people. The two components of early cancer detection are early diagnosis and early screening at Warith International Cancer Institute, which employs the latest cancer detection methods.
Early diagnosis aims to quickly identify those showing symptoms, while screening aims to test healthy individuals to identify those who may have cancer before they show any symptoms.
• Early cancer diagnosis in Iraq:
Early cancer diagnosis focuses on identifying patients with symptoms as soon as possible to give them the best chance for successful treatment. Delayed care reduces survival chances and increases treatment-related problems. Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by starting treatment as soon as possible.
Early diagnosis programs aim to reduce the number of patients diagnosed at late stages by:
1. Increasing awareness of early signs of cancer.
2. Improving access to diagnostic and treatment services.
• Early cancer screening in Iraq:
Early cancer screening differs from early cancer diagnosis. Screening involves using tests among individuals at risk of cancer or those with a higher likelihood of developing cancer to detect it sooner or prevent complications.
Screening refers to using simple tests across a healthy population to identify individuals who may have a disease but do not yet display symptoms. Examples include breast cancer screening using mammograms or clinical breast exams, and cervical cancer screening using Pap smears. Early screening is conducted on those most at risk for developing cancer.

What tests detect cancer? Can cancer be detected through blood tests?

Some tests measure biological signals in body fluids that may be secreted by cancer cells. These signals are known as tumor markers. Tumor markers are biomarkers in the blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, or other body tissues that are elevated when cancer occurs. They can be used for screening, diagnosing cancer stages, or monitoring the disease.

Does the CBC test detect cancer?

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test can be used to diagnose certain types of blood cancer, such as leukemia, but it is not typically used to diagnose solid tumors like breast or lung cancer. It is also common to perform a CBC after a cancer diagnosis to help medical staff gain a better understanding of the patient's overall health.

Early cancer screening tests:

1- Early detection of breast tumors:
Breast self-examination starting in the 30s is part of breast cancer screening. Clinical breast exams by specialized medical staff at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) every three years are essential. Mammography plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer.
2-Regular Pap smear testing:
The Pap smear is one of the most important routine tests women should undergo regularly to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women and can be preventable through regular testing. The Pap smear can detect changes in cervical cells that may be cancerous.
It is recommended to start Pap smears at age 21, as many women in this age group, especially married women, are at risk for cervical cancer. The test involves taking a small sample of cervical cells for analysis. Early testing increases the chances of successful treatment.
Doctors recommend regular Pap smears every five years after the age of 30. If the results are good up to age 66, there is no need for further testing.
3- Early detection of lung cancer:
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is used to screen individuals at high risk for lung cancer, particularly smokers. LDCT scans help identify abnormal areas in the lungs that may be cancerous. Research shows that annual LDCT screenings for high-risk individuals can save lives. For these individuals, annual LDCT before symptoms begin helps reduce the risk of death from lung cancer.
4- Genetic testing:
Cancer can result from specific hereditary genetic changes in the genome. Genetic testing reveals these changes that may be responsible for cancer development.
Genetic tests look for hereditary changes linked to cancer. If specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are found, this can indicate a high risk of developing cancer. This information can be used for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
It’s important to note that genetic testing for cancer is not necessary for everyone. It is usually recommended in cases where hereditary factors increase the risk of cancer.

One Million Free Early Screenings campaigns within Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) for Early Detection:

A free early detection campaign has been launched in Iraq, representing the largest initiative of its kind in the country. This campaign includes several sub-initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early detection and encouraging individuals to undergo regular screenings.
The Iraq Healthy Lungs Project (IHLP) includes the first initiative that offers free screenings for lung diseases through collaboration between Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) and consultants from the University of Liverpool, UK.
The second initiative aims to provide free breast cancer screenings. The campaign places special attention on having female doctors conduct the screening to ensure the comfort and privacy of female patients.
The goal of the One Million Free Early Screenings campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection among the Iraqi people and encourage them to undergo regular screenings. Early detection can save lives and reduce the costs of treating diseases in advanced stages.

Benefits of early cancer detection:

• Increased treatment options: When cancer is detected early, it is often smaller and localized, making it easier to treat with less invasive procedures than surgery or radiation, ensuring faster recovery times and potentially fewer side effects.
• Better quality of life: This enables patients to continue working, spend time with loved ones, and engage in activities they enjoy.
• Higher long-term survival rates: Various types of cancer show improved survival rates when diagnosed early.

How long can cancer proceed undetected?

There is no specific answer to how long someone can have cancer without knowing it. It depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, its growth rate, individual health conditions, and the screenings performed.
While some cancers may cause obvious signs and symptoms, others can be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages, such as lung, prostate, pancreatic, and brain cancers. Therefore, individuals should perform self-examinations and undergo regular screenings at the best early detection center, Warith International Cancer Institute in Karbala, as soon as possible.