Early Symptom Detection and Screening
Why symptom detection/early diagnosis is important
Thousands of people are successfully treated for cancer every year. Treatment is most effective when cancer is found at an early stage. So finding cancer early can make a real difference.
The two main ways cancer is found early are early symptom detection and population screening:
Symptom detection/early diagnosis
This is the principle behind the Find Cancer Early program.
When people know the early symptoms to look out for and what to do if they notice something unusual, they can tell their doctor early. This allows for any further tests to take place early, and if required, treatment can also start early to give the person the best chances of survival.
It is recommended that everyone, especially Tasmanian adults aged over 40 years, visit their doctor every time they notice a possible symptom or unusual change in their body.
Population screening
Population cancer screening such as the National Cervical Screening Program, BreastScreen Australia (mammograms) and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (home bowel cancer screening kits), are excellent methods for detecting early cancer in people who are not currently experiencing any symptoms. Cancer Council Tasmania encourages people to participate in all cancer screenings that they are eligible for, each time that they are eligible.
It is important to note that screening does not replace the need to be aware of possible early cancer symptoms and changes to your body. Likewise, a recent or upcoming screening test does not override the need to discuss any unusual symptoms with a medical professional.
Remember, population screening is designed to detect early cancer in people who feel well and haven’t noticed any possible symptoms.
Bowel cancer screening
Bowel cancer screening kits are designed for people who do not have any noticeable symptoms of bowel cancer.
If you do not have any bowel cancer symptoms, are aged between 50-74 you are eligible to participate in the free National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
If you do have possible bowel cancer symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you see your doctor without delay.
Remember, the earlier cancer is found, the better your chances of survival. So, make sure you participate in free screenings at every opportunity and see your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening or mammograms are designed for women who do not have any noticeable symptoms of breast cancer.
BreastScreen Tasmania provides free screening mammograms to women who have no breast symptoms. Women over the age of 40 years are eligible for screening mammograms, however women between the age of 50 and 74 years are particularly encouraged to participate and will receive an invitation.
You can book an appointment by calling 13 20 50. Clinics are located in Launceston and Hobart, however women living in Tasmania can access the BreastScreen Tasmania mobile clinic. The mobile unit visits various rural and remote locations around Tasmania. To find out when a BreastScreen Tasmania mobile unit is visiting your area, please visit the BreastScreen Tasmania Mobile Unit website.
If you do have possible breast cancer symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you see your doctor without delay.
Remember, the earlier cancer is found, the better your chances of survival. So, make sure you participate in free screenings at every opportunity and see your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
National Cervical Cancer Screening
Women aged 25 will receive a letter inviting them to participate in the National Cervical Screening Program. It is recommended that women with no symptoms continue to screen every 5 years until the age of 74. If you are eligible to participate please book an appointment with your doctor.
If you do have possible symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you see your doctor without delay.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
The PSA test measures the levels of PSA found in the blood. Normally, PSA stays within the prostate. Blood levels of PSA increase if the prostate is damaged.
The current PSA test is not a suitable population screen test. Unfortunately, we don’t have reliable medical proof that routine population testing does more benefit (increased prostate cancer survival) than harm (treating people who don’t need treatment and side effects of treatments).
Early detection of symptoms can significantly improve prostate cancer treatment. Men considering being tested for prostate cancer should do so with information on both the benefits and harms of testing and treatment. We encourage men to speak to their doctor, or phone Cancer Council Tasmania’s cancer nurses on 13 11 20, so that they can make an informed choice about PSA testing.
Men experiencing possible prostate cancer symptoms should tell their doctor without delay.