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To the average person, the difference between screening for cancer and early detection of cancer is probably subtle, to say the least. But screening and early detection are two very different, though related, things—and both can save lives. If you consider that cancer progression is staged from 0 to 4, with 4 being the most serious, and that by the time cancer is discovered by a doctor it has often already progressed to a later stage, it's clear why routine screening and early detection are both important. The earlier cancer is detected, the less invasive—and easier to treat—it will be.

What is early detection?

Early detection simply means discovering a cancer while it's still in the early stage, which can help to ensure successful treatment outcome. But early detection can only be successful if you understand what is normal for your own body. Getting to know your body means you can stay vigilant for any changes in your usual state of health and report anything unusual to your doctor. Changes won't necessarily be a sign of cancer, but they may tip off your doctor to another underlying problem.

Get to know your body

Some potential warning signs that may be related to cancer are:

• a cough that goes on for more than four weeks



• any change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days



• indigestion that lasts more than a couple of weeks



• difficulty urinating or blood in the urine



• bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool



• any lump or mass, particularly in the breasts or testicles



• any new growth on the skin



• any cut or sore that does not heal



• unexplained bleeding



• any change in shape, size, colour or appearance of moles and/or birthmarks



• patches of skin that bleed or that become itchy or red



• change in appearance of breasts or discharge from the nipples



• unexplained weight loss.

It's recommended that you get to know your body and check yourself regularly for:

1. Testicular changes.
   Ask your doctor or other health professional about how to properly perform a self-examination of the testicles and know what to look for. Ideally, self-examination can begin during the teen years and be done regularly.



2. Skin changes.
   Learn what to look for and check your skin regularly, as most skin cancers can be cured if they're caught early enough. Make sure you or someone else checks hard-to-get-at places such as the back, back of neck, ears and backs of legs. If you notice any changes or are confused about what you should be looking for, ask your doctor for help.



3. Changes in the breasts.
   If performed properly, breast self-examination can be a useful tool for understanding what feels normal in the breast and potentially detecting any changes.

What is screening?

Generally, screening tests are meant to check people who are not exhibiting any symptoms of cancer. There are many different types of cancer and not all have routine screening tests available. But several of the most prevalent types of cancer—including breast and colorectal—do, and each province has guidelines about who should be tested and when. For information on screening programs in your province, call a Canadian Cancer Society information specialist toll-free at 1 888 939-3333 or e-mail info@cis.cancer.ca

People who have a family history of certain cancers or are considered at higher risk for other reasons may be tested earlier or more often than the general population. For example, a woman whose mother, sister or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer may start screening mammograms before the recommended age of 50.

Take advantage of screening programs

It is important to talk with your doctor to learn more about your risk of cancer and take advantage of any screening tests or programs that might help find cancer early.

1. Breast cancer: Standard screening tests include clinical breast examination by a trained health professional at least every two years after the age of 40, and a mammogram every two years for women between the ages of 50 and 69.



2. Cervical cancer: Once you become sexually active, no matter what your age or sexual orientation, you need a Pap test and pelvic examination, both of which are performed in your doctor's office or at a women's health clinic, every one to three years, depending on your provincial guidelines. Even if you have stopped having sex or haven't had it in years, you should continue to have the tests. Women who have had a hysterectomy may still require a Pap test, so talk to your doctor or other health professional about what's right for you.



3. Colorectal cancer: Screening typically begins at the age of 50 with a fecal occult blood test every two years. A colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or double-contrast barium enema may be ordered as follow-up tests.

Men aged 50 and over should talk to their doctors about the benefits and risks of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam to detect prostate cancer early.