Cancer Screening Tests in India: A Complete Guide to Early Detection

Early detection is the most powerful tool in the fight against cancer. Regular cancer screening tests can find cancer before symptoms even appear, when it is often smaller and easier to treat successfully. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most important cancer screenings available in India, helping you understand which tests are right for you, what to expect, and why proactive health check-ups are vital.

A cancer screening is a test or exam performed on healthy individuals with no symptoms to look for signs of cancer. The goal of screening and early detection of cancer is to identify cancers at their earliest, most treatable stage. This is different from diagnostic tests, which are done after a person shows symptoms of a potential disease.

Detecting cancer early through regular screenings can dramatically improve outcomes. The key benefits include:

• Higher Survival Rates: Treatment is most effective when cancer is found early.
• Less Invasive Treatment: Early-stage cancers may require less aggressive treatments, such as lumpectomy instead of mastectomy for breast cancer.
• Improved Quality of Life: Managing cancer at an earlier stage often leads to better long-term health.
• Peace of Mind: Regular screenings are a proactive step you can take for your health and well-being.

Screening recommendations vary based on age, gender, lifestyle, and family history. Here are the most common and critical screenings.

Breast Cancer Screening

Primarily for women, breast cancer screening aims to find cancer before a lump can be felt.

• Tests: The main breast cancer screening test is a Mammogram (a low-dose X-ray of the breast). A Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) and sometimes an ultrasound or MRI are also used.
• Guidelines: As per most breast cancer screening guidelines, women should begin annual mammograms starting at age 40-45. Those with a family history may need to start earlier.

Prostate Cancer Screening

This is a key screening test for men, as prostate cancer often grows slowly without early symptoms.

• Tests: The main screening for prostate cancer involves a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test. A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) may also be performed.
• Guidelines: Men should discuss starting screening with their doctor around age 50. Men at higher risk (e.g., with a family history) may start at age 40-45.

Oral Cancer Screening

Crucial for everyone, especially those who use tobacco or consume alcohol frequently.

• Tests: An oral cancer screening is a simple visual and physical examination of the mouth and throat by a dentist or doctor to look for abnormal sores or discoloured tissue.
• Guidelines: This should be part of your routine dental check-up annually.

Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals at high risk, as it's the leading cause of cancer death.

• Tests: The only recommended screening test is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the chest.
• Guidelines: Recommended annually for adults aged 50-80 who have a significant smoking history (e.g., 20-pack-years) and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Screening

These tests look for precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.

• Tests: Several colon cancer screening methods are available, including stool-based tests (like FIT) and visual exams like a Colonoscopy.
• Guidelines: Screening is recommended for average-risk individuals starting at age 45-50.

• Cancer screening tests for females often include a Pap smear, mammogram, and blood markers.
• Cancer screening tests for males typically include a PSA test and other relevant blood tests.
• A full body cancer screening or preventive health check-up may include a combination of blood tests (like CBC, tumor markers), urine analysis, and basic imaging.

The cancer screening test price can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Type of Test: A single PSA blood test is much cheaper than a full colonoscopy.
• Package vs. Single Test: A cancer screening package is often more economical than getting individual tests.
• City & Lab: Costs differ in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc., and between different diagnostic centres.
• Technology: Advanced tests like a Low-Dose CT scan or 3D mammogram may cost more.Generally, a basic cancer screening blood test can start from ₹1500, while comprehensive packages can range from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000 or more.

Your screening results will either be normal or show something that requires further investigation.

• Normal Result: Your doctor will advise you on when to repeat the screening.
• Abnormal Result: This does not mean you have cancer. It means more tests, called diagnostic tests (like a biopsy), are needed to find out for sure. Always discuss your results with your doctor. They will guide you on the necessary next steps.

1. What is a cancer screening blood test?

A cancer screening blood test looks for substances called tumor markers (like PSA or CA-125) in the blood. While they can be helpful, they are often used alongside other tests, as high levels don't always mean cancer.

2. At what age should cancer screening start?

This depends on the type of cancer. Cervical cancer screening can start at 25, breast cancer screening at 40, and colorectal cancer screening at 45. Discuss your personal risk factors with a doctor to create a timeline.

3. Is a full body cancer screening worth it?

A targeted screening based on your age, gender, and risk factors is often more effective than a generic "full body" scan. However, comprehensive preventive health packages can be very useful for an overall health assessment.

4. How can I find cancer screening near me?

You can easily find and book cancer screening tests and packages in your city through the Bajaj Finserv Health platform, which partners with top diagnostic labs across India.

5. How much does a full cancer screening cost?

The cost of a full body cancer screening package in India typically ranges from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000+, depending on the number and type of tests included.