What are the items included in the cancer prevention physical examination

Cancer prevention physical examination usually includes tumor marker detection, imaging examination, endoscopic examination, cytological examination, and genetic testing. It mainly includes alpha fetoprotein detection, chest low-dose CT, gastroenteroscopy, cervical liquid based thin layer cell detection, breast cancer susceptibility gene detection, etc.

1. Tumor biomarker detection

Alpha fetoprotein detection is commonly used for liver cancer screening, and carcinoembryonic antigen detection has a suggestive effect on colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. carbohydrate antigen 125 testing is associated with ovarian cancer, while prostate-specific antigen testing targets the risk of male prostate cancer. Attention should be paid to the possibility of false positives in tumor markers, and a comprehensive judgment should be made in conjunction with other examinations.

2. Imaging examination

Low dose chest CT is the gold standard for lung cancer screening, which can detect lung nodules larger than 3 millimeters. Mammography can detect early breast cancer. Abdominal ultrasound has screening value for liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidney tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging has a high resolution for brain tumors and soft tissue tumors.

3. Endoscopic examination

gastrointestinal endoscopy can directly observe gastrointestinal mucosal lesions and detect early gastric and colorectal cancer. Bronchoscopy is used for the diagnosis of central lung cancer, while cystoscopy can detect urinary system tumors. Painless endoscopic examination can alleviate discomfort for the examinee, and preparation on an empty stomach is required before the examination.

4. Cytological examination

Cervical liquid based thin-layer cell detection can detect precancerous lesions of the cervix, and sputum cytology examination can assist in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Fine needle aspiration cytology examination is suitable for evaluating thyroid nodules and breast masses. Cytological examination has minimally invasive characteristics, but there may be sampling errors.

5. Gene testing

breast cancer susceptibility gene testing can assess the risk of hereditary breast cancer, and Lynch syndrome gene testing is associated with colorectal cancer. Gene testing for tumor targeted therapy guides precise drug use. Genetic testing needs to be evaluated in conjunction with family history, which raises ethical and privacy concerns. The selection of cancer prevention physical examination items should be personalized according to age, gender, family history, and other factors. People over 40 years old are recommended to undergo basic tumor screening every year, and high-risk individuals can increase the frequency of examinations. Maintaining a regular schedule, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help reduce the risk of cancer. When abnormal indicators are detected, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly at a oncology specialist to avoid excessive panic or delayed diagnosis and treatment.