FAQ: Cancer Screening at Bumrungrad International Hospital (CancerCheck Series)

Q1: Which Bumrungrad CancerCheck package is right for me?

• CancerCheck Basic: Ideal for individuals who have never undergone cancer screening and want to begin with a basic risk assessment.
• CancerCheck Premium: Suitable for those seeking a more comprehensive screening covering the most common types of cancer.
• CancerCheck Premium Plus + Cancer Gene: Recommended for individuals with a family history of cancer or those interested in long-term health planning.

Q2: Who should undergo a cancer screening?
A: Everyone can benefit from cancer screening — especially those with a family history of cancer or high-risk behaviors such as smoking, regular alcohol consumption, or high-fat diets. In high-risk cases, doctors may recommend earlier screening based on individual risk factors.

Q3: How reliable is a cancer screening?
A: Many cancer screening tests today are highly accurate, especially specialized ones such as mammograms, Pap smears with HPV co-testing, or photon-counting CT technology. These methods help detect cancer at the early stages. Other tests, such as the CBC test, tumor marker blood test, or chest X-ray, may not confirm cancer directly but still play important roles in early screening when used together with other diagnostic tools.

Q4: If nothing is detected, does it mean I am 100% cancer-free?
A: A normal result means no abnormalities were detected at the time of the test; however, cancer can still be a threat, especially with lifestyle or environmental factors such as stress, diet, or pollution. Regular follow-up screenings are recommended to stay ahead of potential health risks.

Q5: How often should I get screened?
A: It depends on the type of cancer you wish to be screened for and your individual risk factors:

• Breast cancer: Women aged 40–55 are advised to undergo a mammogram annually.
• Cervical cancer: Women aged 25–65 should undergo a Pap smear at least every 3 years, or an HPV test every 5 years.
• Colorectal cancer: Adults over 45 should undergo a colonoscopy. If no abnormalities are found, screenings every 5–10 years may be advised.
• Doctors may recommend more frequent testing if abnormalities are found or if your risk is high.

Q6: If I don’t have a family history of cancer, do I still need to undergo a screening?

A: Yes. Even without family history, lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, or obesity can raise cancer risk. Many cancers can occur without obvious risk factors. Screening remains the best way to detect issues early, and detecting cancer early allows for a greater chance of a successful treatment. 


Q7: How is the CancerCheck Series different from a general health check-up?

A: General check-ups assess overall health (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, liver/kidney function). CancerCheck focuses specifically on detecting cancer risks through blood tests and diagnostic imaging — and can also include genetic testing.


Q8: Why are tests like CBC or chest X-rays included, even if they are not specific cancer tests?

A: While not direct cancer screening tools, they are still highly useful:

• CBC (Complete Blood Count) test: Can detect anemia, infections, or certain blood cancers.
• Chest X-ray: May reveal signs of lung issues such as emphysema, heart enlargement, or other pulmonary abnormalities.

Q9: Will I get to consult with a doctor after the screening?

A: All CancerCheck packages include a doctor’s consultation to explain the results and provide personalized recommendations for further tests or follow-up plans as needed.


Q10: What happens if an abnormality is found?
A: The doctor will recommend further investigations such as a CT scan, MRI, PET/CT, or biopsy. You may also be referred to a specialist for a diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Q11: Do I need to fast before my screening?
A: Fasting is not required. Please contact our staff if you have any questions about your screening.


Why cancer screenings are important

Cancer screening is a powerful tool in healthcare. Its goal is to detect abnormalities at an early stage — often before symptoms appear — giving doctors the chance to plan timely interventions and significantly increase the chances of a full recovery.



By the Bumrungrad Health Screening Center (Checkup)