Tumor Screening Tumor screening is a series of targeted medical tests performed in good health or in the absence of any symptoms. These tests can help to ensure the detection of early or curable stage tumors already present in the body. The selection of tumor screening methods and approaches should firstly take into account the epidemiological and other relevant factors of the examinee himself/herself, as well as the specificity and accuracy of the screening methods; at the same time, the affordability of the examinee should also be considered. Due to the rapid development of medical science and technology, tumor screening methods are becoming more and more complicated and expensive while becoming more and more accurate; on the other hand, the examinees are limited to a certain extent in choosing screening methods due to financial and other constraints. Therefore, when choosing a screening method or approach, the patient needs to spend some time with our specialized oncologists; after evaluating all aspects of the patient’s condition, the oncologists will provide a tailored screening method or approach. In addition, our oncologists will inform you of the advantages, limitations, or possible hazards of these screening methods to help you make an informed and rational decision. I. Breast Cancer All women should be aware of any subtle changes in their breasts and communicate these changes to our specialized physicians in a timely manner. For women between the ages of 20-39, we recommend that you ask your doctor for a physical examination (palpation) every 1-3 years. For women aged 40 and above, we recommend that you have a mammogram every year along with a physical examination by your doctor. Please schedule your own checkups. For women with high risk factors, such as a family history of cancer, previous history of breast cancer, etc., we recommend that you talk to our medical professionals about the pros and cons of early mammography and when to start, and to have other related tests (such as ultrasounds or MRIs) or to increase the frequency of the exams. Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences suggests that you learn breast cancer self-examination on the basis that you should be fully aware of any changes in your breast and get in touch with our professional physicians in time. If you want to know more about breast and breast cancer screening, please contact us: 010-87787622. Lung Cancer The screening methods for early lung cancer have been changing both internationally and domestically. International large-sample, multi-center randomized clinical trials have shown that the use of chest radiographs for lung cancer screening cannot reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer. Since the 1990s, the method of low-dose spiral CT has been used internationally to screen for early lung cancer, and after years of international clinical trial data, it has been proved that this method is currently the best means to detect early lung cancer. The Department of Diagnosis and the Department of Cancer Prevention of Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences have started to use this method to screen early lung cancer. As a member of the International Lung Cancer Screening Program (ELCAP), we now have a complete set of procedures and methods for lung cancer screening. We recommend: Key screening groups include: people over 45 years old, or a long history of smoking with a smoking index of 20 pack-years or more (number of years smoked X number of packs smoked per day), or working in confined environments for long periods of time, or working in environments with high levels of dust particles for a long period of time, or having a family history of the disease. The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital does not recommend the use of chest X-ray for early screening for lung cancer. As for what kind of screening is suitable for you, please contact our specialized physicians. We recommend that the age of screening for colorectal cancer start from 50 years old, and the examinees, both male and female, should follow one of the following screening methods: Colonoscopy – once every ten years (well done is operated and executed by professional physicians from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences) Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) – once a year Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)-Once a year or an immunohistochemical test of the stool. Sigmoidoscopy – every 5 years. FOBT or immunohistochemical test (every year) and sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) – doing both is better than doing only one of these tests. All positive test results (FOBT, FIT, sigmoidoscopy) should be followed up with a colonoscopy. IV. Gastric, cardia and esophageal cancers At present, the Cancer Prevention Department and the Diagnostic Department of Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences jointly carry out the screening work for the above mentioned cancers by means of upper gastrointestinal angiography. Upper gastrointestinal imaging – every 2 years. Gastroscopy (once a year) is recommended for people with the following risk factors – confirmed long-standing gastric ulcers, patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, patients with atypical hyperplasia detected by gastroscopy, and patients with long-term follow-up. All subjects with positive upper gastrointestinal imaging results are recommended for follow-up gastroscopy. V. Cervical Cancer Through strict early screening methods and close follow-up, middle and late stage cancer of the cervix can be completely avoided. Screening for cervical cancer should begin three years after the first sexual intercourse – with an annual cervical smear (TCT). 6. Prostate Cancer We recommend that men begin screening for prostate cancer at age 50. We recommend that men begin screening for prostate cancer at age 50 and have a finger test and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test performed by a medical professional once a year at age 50 and older. For subjects with family history of prostate cancer, we recommend starting the above examination at the age of 45. For people with the following risk factors, we recommend annual ultrasound examination and, if necessary, liver enhancement CT examination. High risk factors include: chronic heavy drinkers, chronic hepatitis B patients, cirrhosis patients, and people who work with chemicals for a long time.