Screening methods for different gender groups

Due to differences in physiological structures and the types of cancers that are more prevalent, the selection of cancer screening methods varies between genders. The following is a detailed introduction:

For Women

Breast Cancer

Mammography: Women over 40 years old are generally recommended to have a mammogram once a year. It can help detect tiny calcifications and lumps in the breast, and has a relatively high diagnostic accuracy for early - stage breast cancer.

Breast Ultrasound: It is suitable for dense breasts and can be used as a supplement to mammography. It is especially suitable for young women or those with unclear mammogram results. It can be performed once a year.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): For patients with abnormal findings in mammography and ultrasound but difficult to diagnose clearly, or for those at high risk of breast cancer, such as carriers of BRCA1/2 gene mutations, an annual MRI examination can be considered.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cytology Test: Women who have had sexual intercourse are recommended to have a ThinPrep Cytologic Test (TCT) once a year. It can detect morphological changes in cervical cells and identify precancerous lesions and cancer cells.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: For women over 30 years old, a combined screening of HPV test and TCT can be carried out every 3 - 5 years. The HPV test can detect high - risk HPV viruses, which is of great significance for cervical cancer screening.

Ovarian Cancer

Gynecological Ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound can observe the shape, size of the ovaries and the presence of abnormal masses. It is generally recommended to be done once a year. For women with a family history of ovarian cancer or those carrying BRCA1/2 gene mutations and other high - risk factors, screening can start from the age of 30 - 35.

Tumor Marker Detection: Tumor markers such as CA125 and HE4 can be used as an auxiliary screening method. However, the specificity and sensitivity of single - marker detection are limited, and it usually needs to be comprehensively judged in combination with the results of ultrasound examination.

Endometrial Cancer

Gynecological Examination: This includes bimanual examination and three - combined examination, etc., which can help understand the size, shape, and texture of the uterus. It should be carried out once a year.

Ultrasound Examination: Transvaginal ultrasound can observe the thickness of the endometrium and the presence of abnormal echoes. For women with high - risk factors such as abnormal uterine bleeding, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, an annual ultrasound examination is recommended.

Endometrial Biopsy: For women with high - risk factors or those with abnormal findings in ultrasound examination, endometrial biopsy may be required to determine whether endometrial cancer exists.

For Men

Prostate Cancer

Prostate - Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Men over 45 years old are recommended to have a PSA test once a year. It is an important indicator for prostate cancer screening.

Digital Rectal Examination: It can check for abnormalities such as nodules and hardening of the prostate by touch. It is usually carried out together with the PSA test once a year. For men with high - risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer, screening can start from the age of 40.

Lung Cancer

Low - Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT): For high - risk groups including men over 50 years old, those with a smoking history (≥30 pack - years) or passive smoking history, and those with a family history of lung cancer, an annual LDCT screening is recommended. It can effectively detect early - stage lung cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

Fecal Occult Blood Test: It is recommended to be done once a year. It can detect hidden blood in feces and help discover early colorectal lesions.

Colonoscopy: For people over 50 years old, colonoscopy is generally carried out every 5 - 10 years. For high - risk groups such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer and a history of intestinal polyps, screening should start from the age of 40, and the screening interval should be appropriately shortened.

Gastric Cancer

Gastroscopy: For men over 40 years old with high - risk factors such as a family history of gastric cancer, a history of gastric ulcer, and Helicobacter pylori infection, gastroscopy is recommended every 2 - 3 years. It can directly observe the condition inside the stomach, detect lesions, and take biopsies for pathological diagnosis.

Upper Gastrointestinal Barium Meal Examination: It can be used as a supplementary screening method for those who cannot tolerate gastroscopy, but its diagnostic value for early - stage gastric cancer is relatively low.