World Cancer Day 2026: February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day to raise awareness about cancer. As part of the awareness initiatives, there is a strong push to prioritise prevention and early detection, which would aid in timely treatment.
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Often, some forms of cancer in the beginning present with incredibly subtle symptoms or remain completely silent. By the time it is detected, it is frequently caught at an advanced stage, making timely screening non-negotiable. When detected early, the treatment outcomes also improve.
Age is one of the key risk factors for cancer, which is why undergoing screening at the appropriate age is crucial. Dr Amit Jain, Pediatric Haematologist-Oncologist and BMT Physician, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, shared with HT Lifestyle the key cancer tests one should take, as per their age.
Dr Jain shed light on the consequences of delayed diagnosis, raising an alarm that it impacts the treatment and survival outcomes. Especially in India, he pointed out, delayed diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges in cancer care.
“In India, nearly 60-70% of cancer cases are diagnosed in late stages, significantly reducing survival rates,” the oncologist explained. “Systematic screening is the only way to catch ‘silent’ malignancies when they are most curable.
Since many cancers develop without any prominent early symptoms, routine screening helps detect them on time, which also improves survival rates and long-term health.
Often, there is a lot of anxiety around screening, but the oncologist shared an important piece of advice: “Screening is not about fear, it’s about staying ahead of disease and protecting long-term health.” This shift in mindset is necessary to reduce the burden of late diagnosis.
The oncologist listed out some of the age-wise, necessary tests, based on the cancer type and risk factors:
1. Cervical cancer (Ages 25–65):
- India accounts for nearly 1/5th of global cervical cancer deaths.
- Women should undergo HPV DNA testing every 5 years or a Pap Smear every 3 years.
- These tests detect high-risk HPV strains or cellular changes long before they turn into cancer.
2. Oral cancer (Ages 30+):
- Given the high prevalence of tobacco and betel nut use, a clinical oral examination every year is essential.
- A specialist looks for leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red patches) that are often painless but pre-cancerous.
3. Breast cancer (Ages 40+):
- While breast self-exams (BSE) aid awareness, an annual screening Mammogram is the gold standard for women over 40.
- For those with a strong family history, screening may need to start earlier with an ultrasound or MRI.
4. Colorectal cancer (Ages 45+):
- With junk diets on the rise in urban India, colon cancer is increasing.
- A Colonoscopy every 10 years (or a yearly FIT/Faecal test) allows doctors to find and remove polyps before they become malignant.
5. Lung cancer (Ages 50+):
- For ‘heavy smokers’ (the equivalent of one pack a day for 20 years), a Low-Dose CT (LDCT) scan once a year is recommended.
- Unlike a standard X-ray, an LDCT can spot tiny nodules that are still treatable.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
