4 Types of Cancer That Can Be Detected in Their Early Stages

 Cancer can sometimes remain hidden without showing any symptoms in its early stages. Many people believe that cancer always presents symptoms first — symptoms such as pain, lumps, or unusual fatigue. In reality, several types of cancer can develop silently. That is why cancer screening is important.
 

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, especially among people over 50.
Colorectal cancer develops when normal cells in the colon begin to change and divide uncontrollably. This process can take years. In the early stages, these may appear as benign polyps, but if untreated, they may progress into cancer. Most patients do not notice symptoms until the disease advances. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal bloating, or abnormal stools typically appear in later stages.
 
Colorectal cancer screening methods:

• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or DNA methylation test can help detect early signs of colorectal cancer. If results are abnormal, a colonoscopy is recommended.
• A colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer often before symptoms appear. Polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy as well. It’s recommended that people undergo colonoscopies starting at age 45.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer death among Thai women. Although rare, men can also develop breast cancer. Around 90% of breast cancers originate in the milk ducts and lobules of the breast, and can occur in either or both breasts. While some women may detect a lump in their breast themselves, most cases show no symptoms in the early stages. When detected early, the cure rate can be as high as 95%.
 
Breast cancer screening methods:

• A digital mammogram and breast ultrasound are recommended for women over 40. These tests are essential for detecting early-stage breast cancer — before a lump can be felt or any visible abnormalities appear.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Over 90% of cases are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through both sexual and non-sexual contact. Other risk factors include early sexual activity, multiple partners, and smoking. An HPV vaccination (9-valent vaccine) can prevent up to 70–90% of cervical cancer cases; however, even vaccinated women should undergo regular screenings.
 
Cervical cancer screening methods:

• Pap test (to detect cell changes) combined with HPV testing (to detect infection) is a key screening method for cervical cancer.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, it can be cured if detected early. Major risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, carcinogens, air pollution, and exhaust fumes. Increasingly, lung cancer is also found in non-smokers. Symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain often appear only in advanced stages.
 
Lung cancer screening methods:

• Low-dose CT scan (LDCT) and advanced technologies such as photon-counting CT can detect small lung nodules even before symptoms arise.

Survival Rates (American Cancer Society)

If detected at the localized stage (before spreading), the 5-year survival rates are:

• Breast cancer: 99%⁽²⁾
• Colorectal cancer: 91%⁽³⁾
• Cervical cancer: 91%⁽⁴⁾
• Lung cancer: 67%⁽⁵⁾

Screening: More Than Finding the Disease

 
Screening is not only about “finding the disease.” It is also about understanding personal risk factors for diseases, including lifestyle, genetics, and family history.
Bumrungrad’s CancerCheck packages range from a basic cancer screening to genetic risk testing.
 Because knowing early means a greater chance of being cured.
 
 
By the Bumrungrad Health Screening Center (Checkup)
 
 
References:
1. National Cancer Institute of Thailand. Fight against cancer [Internet]. Bangkok: Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health; 2018 [cited 2025 Sep 4]. Available from: https://www.nci.go.th/th/File_download/fight_cancer.pdf
2. Breast Cancer Survival Rates
American Cancer Society. (2025, January 16). Survival rates for breast cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html
3. Colorectal Cancer Survival Rates
American Cancer Society. (2025, January 16). Survival rates for colorectal cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
4. Cervical Cancer Survival Rates
American Cancer Society. (2025, January 16). Survival rates for Cervical cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival.html
5. Lung Cancer Survival Rates
American Cancer Society. (2025, June 27). Survival rates for lung cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html