A study by Cancer Research UK found that 1 in 4 cancer patients experienced a delay in their diagnosis that could have been avoided. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance of successful treatment and outcomes. Cancer Research UK shares that almost 100% of people with prostate cancer survive their disease for 5 years or more if diagnosed at the earliest stage.

Cancer screening is one way to identify cancer earlier. Cancer screening tests look for early signs of cancer, even for people with no symptoms.

The Importance of Screening

Some cancers are asymptomatic or have symptoms that easily go unnoticed. Lung cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer have non-specific symptoms, no early warning signs, or no symptoms until it is stage 2 or 3. Some cancers develop so slowly that they go undetected for years.

Cancer screening is an effective way to:

• Detect cancer earlier
• Ensure treatment is more effective
• Make informed decisions about your health
• Stop preventable death

Some people will have higher risk factors for certain cancers. For example, prostate cancer is more prevalent in the over-50s, in black men, men with African ancestry, and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

NHS Screening

The NHS offers cancer screening services as you get older. Women aged 50-70 are offered breast screening. The test involves an X-ray called a mammogram that can detect cancers when they’re too small to feel. You’ll be called to a breast screening appointment every three years. Once you reach 70, you can self-refer.

When you’re between 60 and 74, you’ll receive a bowel cancer screening kit every two years. If you’re over 75, you can request a kit every two years.

Women are invited to a cervical screening test every three years for those aged 25-49 and every 5 years from 50 to 64. This test involves a nurse taking a swab from the cervix to detect abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.

Routine prostate screening isn’t available on the NHS, but you may be offered a test if you have symptoms of prostate cancer or are over 50 years old. There is also no national screening for testicular cancer.

You’ll be invited for some cancer screening tests as you age. But you don’t have to wait to be called to an appointment. You can book a private cancer screening test at any time. You’ll also be seen sooner with a private clinic.

Cancer Awareness

Cancer screening is one way to detect if you have cancer. You should also routinely check your body and know what is normal for you. While some cancers are asymptomatic, there are symptoms you should look out for, such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Lumps
• Bloating
• Feeling tired or unwell
• Unexplained bleeding
• Changes to your bowel habits

Charities such as Movember, help raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer and funds for research. These promotions also serve as a reminder to check for symptoms.

Cancer screening at Living Care

At Living Care, we understand the importance of being seen quickly and receiving an early diagnosis. Using the latest techniques and screening equipment, we can discover if cancer is present.

Our cancer screening services include:

• MRI scanning

MRI scanning shows detailed images of soft tissue, organs, and structures.

• Trucheck

Trucheck is a blood test to detect cancer markers before symptoms show.

• Prostate screening

In the UK, 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. Most men with prostate cancer don’t get symptoms, making prostate screening very important. We can carry out scans and biopsies on demand.

• Ultrasound scans

These scans take images of organs and tissues to see if there are any abnormalities.

Our tests show if you have cancer or are at risk of cancer, even before symptoms start.

Book your cancer screening appointment with us today by clicking here.