Why should I get screened for cancer?

The best way to beat cancer is to detect it early. The idea of screening is to try to detect cancer early, before it would normally appear. On average, 80% of people who are able to diagnose cancer early survive for longer than 5 years, versus only 20% for those who detect cancer at later stages. Some cancers are already routinely screened for.

Aren’t all the important cancers already routinely screened for?

These are the top 6 cancer killers and estimated annual US death rates. Half have no routine screening. Our Cancer Screen includes these important areas not routinely screened for, the lungs, bronchi, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Cancer type Annual Deaths Routine Screening

Lung/Bronchus 142,670 None [except for heavy smokers]

Colorectal. 51,020 Colonoscopy and occult blood

Pancreas 45,750 . None

Breast 41,760 Mammography

Liver and Bile duct 31,780 . None

Prostate 31,620 Prostate specific antigen

CA:A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol:69, Issue: 1, Pages 7-34. 08 January 2019

Do the whole body screening scans replace screening mammography or colonoscopy?

Absolutely not. Mammography is the accepted screening technique for breast cancer in appropriate women. Colonoscopy and occult blood testing is often used for screening colorectal cancer.

What is a CT scan?

A CT (computed tomography) or CAT scan uses X-ray technology and sophisticated computers to create highly detailed pictures of a body. It is good at seeing both hard structures (such as bone) and at seeing soft tissues (such as the liver or lungs). A CT is particularly good at detecting tumors, blood clots and problems with blood vessels.

What is an MRI Scan?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Basically, an MRI machine is a large magnet that uses radio waves to take pictures of your body’s organs and structures. MRI scans are safe and pain free. Plus, unlike other medical imaging procedures such as CTs (CAT scans) or X-rays, MRI scans don’t expose you to harmful radiation.