What and how should regular cancer prevention check-ups be conducted?

The Health China Action (2019-2030), issued recently in China, aims to basically realize that high-risk groups of cancer participate in regular cancer prevention physical examination. What and how to check for cancer prevention physical examination?

Healthy China Action mentioned that standardized cancer prevention physical examination is an important way to detect cancer and precancerous lesions. Zhang Kai, deputy director of the cancer prevention department of the National Cancer Center and the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said that unlike the state-paid organizational screening, the cost of cancer prevention physical examination is mainly borne by the examiners themselves, and should be more targeted. According to Zhang Kai, regular screening should be carried out for major cancers. "The main cancers in China include lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and so on. The first six cancers account for about 70% of all cancers and nearly 80% of deaths. Lung cancer has the highest incidence in males and breast cancer in females.

Healthy China Action mentions that most common cancers can be detected early by current technical means. It is suggested that high-risk groups choose professional medical institutions for regular cancer prevention physical examination and choose appropriate intervals according to individual age and previous examination results. According to the high-risk population mentioned in the document, Zhang Kai said that the first high-risk factor for cancer incidence was age. The population over 50 years old is the key target of most malignant tumors. Cancer screening should be paid attention to after 40 years old. Routine anti-cancer physical examination can be carried out over 50 years old. "However, breast cancer and cervical cancer should be examined at the age of 45 and 21 respectively."

He said that determining whether he is a high-risk group depends not only on his age, but also on what kind of cancer he is at high risk. For example, long-term smokers are at high risk of lung cancer, and hepatitis virus carriers are at high risk of liver cancer, so screening should be carried out according to their own characteristics.

Zhang Kai suggested that the best way to improve the early diagnosis rate is to identify effective means, take into account safety and minimally invasive, on the premise of screening and appropriate technology. For the interval of physical examination, the development time of each disease is different. For example, hepatocellular carcinoma progresses rapidly, and the high-risk population usually has to be examined once in six to eight months. If there is no problem with colonoscopy, a second examination can be performed at intervals of 5 to 10 years.

"Cancer prevention physical examination should be targeted and individualized, and screening items should be selected according to age, family history, gender, living habits and other factors, combined with their own conditions." Zhang Kai prompted.