How early screening can save lives: Breaking myths around cancer detection

Early screening goes a long way toward cancer detection, which proves to have several benefits in a range of long survival when cancer is diagnosed at the most treatable stage. Newer modalities are re-changing the way cancer is detected using advanced diagnostic tools such as Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and molecular profiling that provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment guidance. However, common misinformation on screening procedures, particularly biopsies often raises unfounded fear, promoting barriers to timely diagnosis and adverse health implications. It is important to eliminate such myths through adequate awareness for the timely intervention and better patient care.

Does needing a biopsy mean I have cancer?
Hearing the word "biopsy" is very scary, but it does not mean you have cancer. Many who have had biopsy procedures are relieved to learn they had benign (non-cancerous) conditions or treatable infections such as tuberculosis. The real purpose of a biopsy is to provide clarity by ruling out malignancy in order to guide appropriate patient management.

Is a biopsy painful?
Common fear is biopsies are painful or carry an element of danger. Most actually biopsies, in fact are not invasive; instead they are a small procedure undertaken using local anesthetics; discomfort is practically non-existent during such biopsies and post-procedure pain or swelling could be manageable enough to resolve over the counter pain relief drugs. Rarely do severe complications arise, such as infection or significant bleeding.

Are All Biopsies the Same?
Not all biopsies are the same: the biopsy method varies based on the anatomic location of the suspected abnormality and the specific clinical condition being investigated.
Common types include:
•Image guided Needle biopsies – This is performed using a thin needle to extract tissue usually using USG or CTscans for precise sampling .•Surgical biopsies – This involves minor surgery to remove a larger tissue sampleMost biopsies take between 15 minutes to an hour, and your doctor will recommend the most suitable type based on your condition.

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How early screening is important in cancer detection and treatment

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How Long Does a Biopsy Take?
Most biopsy procedures are outpatient, meaning patients can go home the same day. More involved biopsies that involve inner organs or children who need general anesthesia will require a brief in-hospital stay.

Does a Biopsy Cause Cancer to Spread?
Among the most persistent myths is that biopsies contribute to the spread of cancer. Tract seeding chances in cases of biopsy is very negligible in today’s practice with the advent of coaxial needle biopsies ,incidence as low as 0.004%.No scientific evidence supports for spread otherwise , for extensive medical research has been conducted. Rather, biopsies contribute to a much earlier understanding of a diagnosis, which in turn facilitates early treatment and improves survival chances.

If My Biopsy Is Negative
A negative biopsy result simply means that the tissue sampled has no cancerous cells. Still, if the suspected abnormality is small and not easily reached, further testing or follow-ups may be recommended in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

The Importance of Early Screening
Routine screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and low-dose CT scans for lung cancer are helpful in detecting cancer at an early stage. Delaying these screenings due to misconceptions or fear may mean that cancer is detected late, so affecting the way treatment works and reducing survival rates.

Cancer screening and diagnostic procedure, like that of biopsy, are key tools in saving lives. Clearing the air regarding any doubts surrounding these procedures is essential so that a greater number is able to make it for not-so-late screenings which will hopefully mean early diagnosis and improvement in treatment outcome. Education and awareness will remain the key to break these misconceptions and help prompt individuals to take initiative in their health journey.

(By Dr. Shashank Mishra, Consultant, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)