Regular screening tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers help identify risks before symptoms appear, ensuring timely treatment and peace of mind.
Preventive screening tests are medical checks done before symptoms appear. Their purpose is to detect early changes in the body that may develop into disease, or to find cancers at an early stage when they are easier to treat and chances of recovery are much higher. These tests are recommended for healthy individuals based on age, gender, and risk factors, even if they feel well.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (the womb), and is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The condition typically begins with abnormal cell growth in the cervix, starting with precancerous changes that can be detected through regular screenings. If left undiagnosed, these changes can progress into cancer and potentially spread to surrounding organs.
Early signs of cervical cancer
Early signs of cervical cancer are often subtle and may include abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause), unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain during sex or at other times. In many cases, early stages may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening with Pap smears and HPV tests is so important.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It begins when normal breast cells mutate and start dividing faster than they should, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. Some tumors are benign (not cancerous), but malignant tumors can spread into nearby tissues or travel to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Early signs of cervical cancer
Early signs of breast cancer may include a painless lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, nipple inversion or unusual discharge, and swelling around the breast or armpit. While these changes don’t always mean cancer, it’s important to see a doctor if they appear, as early detection greatly improves outcomes.
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It usually begins as small growths called polyps on the inner lining, some of which can turn cancerous over time. If not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body, but with timely screening and treatment, it is often highly preventable and treatable.
Early signs of Colorectal cancer
Early signs of colorectal cancer may include persistent changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete emptying, blood in the stool that may appear bright red or dark, unexplained abdominal pain or bloating, narrower-than-usual stools, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue. Since these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice if they persist.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small gland in men located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer often grows slowly, and in many cases may not cause symptoms for years. However, some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly if not treated early.
Early signs of Prostate cancer
Early signs of prostate cancer may include difficulty starting or maintaining urination, weak or frequent urine flow (especially at night), pain or burning while urinating, blood in urine or semen, and sometimes pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. These symptoms can also occur with other prostate conditions, so medical evaluation is important.
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...
Patient Login
