“To detect certain types of cancer in early stages, it is important to have regular preventive exams, even when people are in healthy conditions. About 70,000 Peruvians a year are diagnosed with cancer. Obtaining an early diagnosis can save thousands of lives”, points out Dr. Mauricio León, Director of the League Against Cancer and Head of the Mastology service of our clinic, who, within the framework of World Cancer Day, tells us which tests can help us identify this fearsome disease on time.

1. Papanicolaou / viral test. This test detects precancerous and cancerous lesions on the cervix. It is recommended that all women have this test performed annually, once their sexual life has begun, since this type of cancer is the most frequent in Peruvian women.
2. Mammography. It is essential for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The study should be performed annually after age 40 or earlier if there is a history of breast or ovarian cancer in the family
3. Colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally. It is essential to perform a test periodically, usually every 5 years, to detect any abnormality and detect occult blood in the stool (test called Thevenon). It is recommended to perform this exam annually from the age of 45
4. Upper endoscopy. It is the most used procedure for the diagnosis of stomach cancer. With it you can directly observe the mucosa of the stomach and assess the existence or not of lesions at that level.
5. Chest X-ray. In recent years there has been an increase in cigarette consumption in women. It is necessary to have this test at least once a year to rule out any lung disease such as lung cancer

Dr. Mauricio León
Director of the League Against Cancer and
Head of the Mastology service