Early Detection & Prevention

Cancer Screening Services

Cancer screening identifies apparently healthy people who may be at increased risk of developing cancer. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes — many cancers, when found early, can be cured in up to 90% of cases. Dr Chamisa provides the following cancer screening services.

Anal Cancer Screening

Abnormal anal pap smears, anal dysplasia and anal cancer are all predominantly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Anal cancer may develop slowly over a period of years — sometimes with no specific symptoms until the disease is quite advanced.

Risk Factors for HPV / Anal Cancer

  • Women: history of cervical high-grade dysplasia or cervical cancer
  • Women and men: HIV infection
  • Women and men: history of receptive anal sex
  • Women and men: other HPV-related diseases such as genital warts
  • Women and men: immunosuppression from diseases or medications

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anal dysplasia may be made by performing an anal pap smear — cells are collected from a swab inserted into the anus and examined by a pathologist for precancerous or dysplastic changes. High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) uses magnification to obtain a more detailed view of the anal canal and can both diagnose and treat anal dysplasia in the same procedure.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, but when caught early, outcomes are significantly improved. Breast cancer screening using mammography (x-ray of the breast) is the primary tool for early detection.

Screening Guidelines

  • Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms
  • Women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year
  • Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening
  • Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live 10 more years or longer
  • All women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, and report any changes to a healthcare provider promptly

Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy for both men and women. Screening for colorectal cancer is the process of identifying apparently healthy people who may be at increased risk of developing this disease. Removing a precancerous polyp prevents the development of colorectal cancer. If found early, colorectal cancer may be cured in up to 90% of cases.

Screening Methods

  • Faecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) — detects very small amounts of blood in stool that may have been shed from a cancer or polyp. Non-invasive; should be done yearly
  • Colonoscopy — considered the gold-standard screening test. Allows for both detection and removal (or sampling) of polyps and cancers. Recommended for average-risk individuals starting at age 50
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy — examines the lower third of the colon; effective particularly when paired with FOBT

Patients who experience rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss should seek medical attention promptly rather than waiting for scheduled screening.

Stomach Cancer Screening

Many symptoms of stomach cancer are similar to less serious conditions. Early-stage signs include persistent indigestion, heartburn, trapped wind, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. More advanced signs include blood in your stools, a swelling or lump in the stomach, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and jaundice.

Around 90% of stomach cancers appear in people aged over 55. It is easier to treat if diagnosed early. You may need a blood test or a gastroscopy and biopsy — using a narrow flexible tube to examine the inside of the stomach — and possibly a small tissue sample for testing.

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. It is estimated that a cure is possible in 20–30% of cases, significantly improved with early detection.

Oesophagus Cancer Screening

The prime symptoms of oesophageal cancer are difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion or heartburn, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Difficulty swallowing — caused by the cancer narrowing the oesophagus — is the most common symptom. It may feel as though food is getting stuck and swallowing can be uncomfortable or painful.

Diagnosis is best done with an endoscopy, when a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is passed into your mouth and down towards the stomach so that a doctor can check for cancer. Small tissue samples (biopsy) may be removed for testing. If oesophageal cancer is confirmed, further tests such as a CT or ultrasound scan help judge how far the cancer has progressed.

A multi-disciplinary team will recommend a treatment plan which may feature surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.