Preventive screening: What is the right choice?

Do you need a lung scan or a dermatology screening? Should you have a PSA test or consider a colonoscopy? Find out which preventive screenings are recommended and for whom.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the standard screening test for colorectal cancer. It is recommended from the age of 50 and every ten years in the absence of a family history. This test allows a view inside the colon and rectum to identify and remove any tumours that may have the potential to turn into cancer.

- Why: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among adults, often developing from benign tumours.

- How: Colonoscopy can detect changes quickly. Additional tests to detect hidden blood in the stool are also helpful.

- When: Recommended for people aged 50 years and over (stool test every 2 years, colonoscopy every 10 years). It is advisable to have it done earlier if there is a family risk or inflammatory bowel disease.

- Basic insurance: Covers colonoscopy and faecal examinations for cancer prevention between the ages of 50 and 69. Insurance is waived in some provinces/states as part of the screening programme.

- Supplemental insurance: For screenings before age 50 and without a family history, insurance is available to cover the cost.

Chest Radiography

Chest radiography is recommended every five years to detect the possibility of lung cancer, even in the absence of symptoms. This non-invasive test allows the lungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchial tubes and crystalline membrane to be examined for infections, tumours or other abnormalities. It is especially recommended in case of breathing disorders, persistent coughing, or abnormalities detected on clinical examination.

Breast examination

- Why: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.

- How: Mammography can provide early detection of cancer and precancerous lesions, improving the chances of recovery.

- When: Recommended for women aged 50 years and above. It is recommended earlier if there is a family risk of breast cancer.

- Basic insurance: In provinces that have a mammography screening programme, women aged 50 and over can get screened every two years. This is covered by basic insurance and the deductible is waived. Younger women who have a high family risk are also covered by basic insurance.

- Supplementary insurance: In all other cases, mammography costs are covered by supplementary insurance.

PSA TEST

PSA testing for prostate cancer is a controversial topic. Although it allows for early detection of some cancers, it may also lead to unnecessary additional tests and treatments. Health authorities recommend discussing this test with your physician to assess the benefits and risks on a case-by-case basis.

- Why: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men.

- How: As a precautionary measure, men can be screened by their family doctor or urologist using a blood test, although its validity is controversial. It is used as a tumour marker as well as a palpation test (rectal palpation is a mandatory screening for all men with suspected prostatitis).

- When: This test is recommended between the ages of 50 and 70.

- Supplementary Insurance: Supplementary insurances cover the costs of this test.

Dermatological examination

A regular skin examination is recommended to monitor for any suspicious lesions that may be a sign of skin cancer. This clinical examination allows the entire skin to be examined and any changes in the shape, size or colour of moles to be identified early. It is recommended annually for high-risk individuals.

- Why: Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among men and women.

- How: Keep a close eye on your skin and let your family doctor or dermatologist check your moles regularly.

- When: Recommended for all ages.

- Basic insurance: If there is an increased familial risk of melanoma, this preventive screening will be covered by basic insurance.

- Supplementary insurance: In other cases, the costs will be covered by supplementary insurance.

Do not hesitate to contact the TellSaleem Assistant for more information and to book a screening.