Why Go For Regular Cancer Screening?
Certain cancers are preventable and many cancers are treatable and curable, especially with effective treatment in the early stages.
Screening helps to detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions before any symptoms appear. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage.
Common Excuse #1: I Feel Fine. Screening Once is Enough
Many do not go for screening as they feel fine. However, early-stage cancer may not have symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage.
It is also important to screen regularly according to recommended screening guidelines. By screening regularly, cancers can be detected and treated earlier.
Common Excuse #2: I’m Very Busy. I Don’t Have Time to Screen
Many people lead busy lives, juggling work, family and many other interests. It’s therefore even more important to make time to look after your health by going for screening. This will enable you to continue living your life to the fullest. Each test is tolerable and takes no more than 30mins to complete.
Common Excuse #3: It’s Good Enough that I Exercise Regularly and Eat Healthily
While exercising regularly and eating healthy are important, regular screening is just as important and should be regarded as an irreplaceable part of a healthy lifestyle.
Common Excuse #4: I’m Scared of Receiving Bad News
When it comes to your health, ignorance is not bliss. It is understandable to fear receiving bad news and results. Most of the time, screening results are normal. Discuss your fears with your doctor and make an informed choice.
Common Excuse #5: I’m Not At Risk As I Don’t Have a Family History of Cancer
Some cancers are associated with genes and family history, but most cancers are not. Cancer can be caused by factors like your environment and lifestyle choices.
Benefits of Screening Regularly
Early Detection allows for Early Treatment
Screening helps to detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions before any symptoms appear. The treatment would be less aggressive as the tumour is smaller and has not spread to other parts of the body
Less Treatment Needed means Less Cost Incurred
Treatment of early cancers is typically less invasive as compared to more advanced cancers.
Receiving less treatment also means less cost incurred and shorter recovery time.
Treating Pre-cancer before it has the chance to progress
If pre-cancerous conditions are found, there is less to worry about. Treatments are available to prevent pre-cancerous conditions from progressing into cancer.
Stay healthy and spend your time focused on:
- Meaningful work and career
- Spending time with family and friends
- Looking forward to milestone celebrations like children’s graduation, wedding and becoming grandparents.
Go for Screening Today
| Recommended Cancer Screenings | Where can I Screen At? | Age Group | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 29 | 30 to 49 | 50+ | ||
Pap Test (Females Only)
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HPV Test (Females Only)
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Mammogram (Females Only)
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FIT (Colorectal)
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For Men
| Age Group | Recommended Screenings (Men) | 49 and under | None |
|---|---|
| 50 and above |
For Women
| Age Group | Recommended Screenings (Women) |
|---|---|
| 19 and under |
For 9-19 year-olds: |
| 20-24 |
Breast cancer screening (breast self-examination) |
| 25-29 |
Breast cancer screening (breast self-examination) Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) For 25-26 year-olds: Cervical cancer vaccination |
| 30-39 |
Breast cancer screening (breast self-examination) Cervical cancer screening (HPV test) |
| 40-49 |
Breast cancer screening (mammogram and breast self-examination) Cervical cancer screening (HPV test) |
| 50 and above |
Cervical cancer screening (HPV test) Breast cancer screening (mammogram and breast self-examination) |