Early detection remains the single most effective clinical strategy for reducing deaths from many cancers. Breast and liver cancers are two illnesses with different biology, but they have shared gains from regular, guideline-based surveillance. This improves treatment options, increases the chance of cure, and reduces the need for aggressive therapy.
Let us explore why screening matters, who should be screened, what tests are used, and how STAR Hospital supports timely detection.
Understanding the Risk: Numbers that Matter
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in India and worldwide. Incidence has risen, and mortality remains substantial. Early-stage detection substantially improves survival because cancers found at stage I or II are far more amenable to breast-conserving treatments and curative surgery. Regular screening when properly applied shifts diagnosis toward these early stages.
Liver cancer (primarily hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) causes a high number of cancer deaths globally and has a poor prognosis when found late. In India, liver cancer remains an important cause of cancer mortality; many cases are linked to chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol use, metabolic liver disease, and environmental exposures. For high-risk people, surveillance detects smaller tumours that can be treated with curative intent (resection, ablation, or transplant).
Who should be screened: Practical, Evidence-based Criteria
Breast cancer (average and higher risk):
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From age 30, women should have a clinical breast examination (CBE) by a doctor and stay alert to any breast changes.
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Women aged 40 and above are generally advised to undergo mammography every 1 to 2 years. Women with dense breasts or other risk factors may need tailored strategies.
- Those with a family history of breast cancer or other high-risk factors may need earlier or more frequent checks.
Liver cancer (surveillance for high risk):
- Routine HCC surveillance is not necessary for the general population.
- It is recommended for people at higher risk: adults with liver cirrhosis (from any cause), those with chronic hepatitis B (depending on age and other factors), and selected patients with advanced fibrosis.
- Surveillance is intended to be ongoing—typically every six months—because HCC can grow quickly.
Screening Tests Used: Strengths and Limits
Breast
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Mammogram: A quick X-ray of the breasts that detects small lumps or calcium deposits before they can be felt.
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Ultrasound or MRI: Used for women with dense breast tissue or higher genetic risk.
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Self and Clinical Exams: Regular self-checks and professional exams complement imaging.
Liver
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Ultrasound of the Liver: A simple, non-invasive scan that helps detect small growths.
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AFP Blood Test (Alpha-Fetoprotein): May indicate tumour activity when levels rise.
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Follow-up Imaging (CT or MRI): Recommended if abnormalities are found during routine checks.
Real Benefits: What the Evidence Shows
Screening tends to reduce the proportion of cancers found at an advanced stage. More importantly, it reduces cancer-specific mortality when delivered to the appropriate population. For breast cancer, population screening programmes using mammography have been associated with measurable declines in mortality in settings with organised screening and prompt diagnostic follow-up. For liver cancer, surveillance of high-risk groups increases the likelihood of detecting tumours at a curable stage. These benefits depend on regular adherence to surveillance schedules and rapid diagnostic workup when abnormalities are detected.
Barriers and Misconceptions
No screening test is perfect. Mammography can yield false positives that require biopsy and cause anxiety. Ultrasound surveillance may miss very small lesions and requires operator expertise. Resource availability, patient age, and individual risk profile should guide decisions. In India, a combination of clinical examination, risk stratification, and imaging is employed, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, to produce more practical programmes. Discuss benefits and harms with a clinician to reach a personalised plan.
Taking the First Step
Here is how you can be proactive
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Women: Know your baseline risk (family history, prior breast disease), perform monthly self-checks, and discuss CBE and mammography scheduling with your physician.
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People with liver disease: Enrol in a surveillance programme and maintain regular follow-up; ask about vaccination (hepatitis B), antiviral treatment, and alcohol moderation.
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Everyone: If you have risk factors or are unsure, request a risk assessment at a tertiary centre. Early assessment broadens curative options.
Why STAR Hospitals
At STAR Hospitals, we combine multidisciplinary review, high-quality imaging (digital mammography, ultrasound, MRI where indicated) and streamlined pathways for biopsy and treatment planning. For those at risk of HCC, our hepatology and oncology teams provide surveillance, antiviral therapy coordination, and access to curative procedures when lesions are detected early.
Screening is not just a test; it is a commitment to your future self. Breast and liver cancers can be managed effectively when found early, and the first step begins with awareness. At STAR Hospitals, we believe prevention is powerful. If you are due for a screening or unsure about your risk, consult our specialists for a simple evaluation; it could make all the difference.
