The oncologist named methods that help to detect cancer at an early stage of examination

There is no analysis that would show the presence of cancer with 100% accuracy. Different methods of early detection have been developed for each type of tumor. Natalia Ponomareva, an oncologist, mammologist, chemotherapist, and expert at the Oncologica Foundation, told Izvestia on February 25 which studies really help to avoid cancer and why you shouldn't take everything in a row.

"Cancer, as a rule, develops unnoticed. Screening makes it possible to detect a tumor even before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective," Ponomareva noted.

According to the expert, in order to understand at what age and how often to undergo examinations, it is important to know about cases of cancer in close relatives, the age at which they occurred, and the presence of hereditary genetic mutations. If there were oncological diseases in the family, especially at a young age, it is worth discussing with the doctor the need to consult a geneticist and conduct a genetic analysis. When pathogenic mutations are detected, preventive examinations usually begin earlier and are carried out more often.

So, according to the expert, with hereditary mutations in the BRCA genes, the risk of developing breast cancer can reach 80%. In this case, women are recommended to perform breast MRI with intravenous contrast every year, starting at about the age of 25.

Screening studies are conducted for people without hereditary mutations, which actually reduce mortality from certain types of cancer. These include X-ray mammography in women aged 40 to 75 years, an examination by a gynecologist with a cytological examination of a cervical smear, as well as a stool analysis for hidden blood followed by an endoscopic examination of the colon.

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Men over the age of 45 are recommended to have a urologist's examination, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and a digital rectal examination of the prostate gland to rule out prostate cancer.

According to the expert, early detection of lung cancer requires special attention.

"International studies have shown that annual CT screening does reduce lung cancer mortality, but only in the high-risk group. First of all, these are smokers with at least 30 pack-years of experience, as well as people over 50 with at least 20 pack-years of experience or those who quit smoking less than 15 years ago," explained Ponomareva.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed to diagnose tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. As part of the medical examination, she has been recommended since the age of 45. A dermatologist's examination and dermatoscopy are important for detecting skin malignancies.

Ultrasound diagnostics remains one of the most accessible and safe methods of examination. Breast ultrasound is used in women under 40 years of age, and after 40 years of age — as an adjunct to mammography. Examination of the thyroid gland allows you to identify nodules and determine the need for puncture. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs helps to detect tumors of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes in a timely manner, and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and kidneys helps to notice focal changes in the liver, pancreas and other organs.

"Cancer markers are not suitable for the primary diagnosis of cancer. They may be normal in the presence of a tumor or increase with inflammatory and infectious diseases. They should be prescribed by a doctor and only in combination with other examination methods," Ponomareva emphasized.

She also does not recommend undergoing expensive examinations such as CT or MRI without indications. A false positive result can be very frightening, and a false negative result can be unreasonably reassuring. Any examination should be part of a well-thought-out diagnostic strategy.

Oncologist, chemotherapist, head of the oncology department, and expert at the Oncologica Charitable Foundation Dmitry Olkin told Izvestia on February 13 that genetic testing for the diagnosis of hereditary forms of cancer affects treatment tactics, while attempts to interpret it independently without a doctor are dangerous.

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