कैंसर स्क्रीनिंग — बिना लक्षण के जाँच, ताकि कैंसर या उससे पहले के बदलाव जल्दी पकड़े जाएँ। कई जाँचें सरकारी केंद्रों पर मुफ़्त हैं।
Need help understanding your reports? Talk to a patient counselor: +91 99307 09000 · WhatsApp +91 98803 78899
Screening means testing healthy people with no symptoms to find cancer early, or even find changes before they become cancer. India’s national programme (NP-NCD) offers free screening for the three most common cancers — oral, breast and cervical — for people aged 30 and above at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (health and wellness centres) and government hospitals.
Screening vs diagnosis
If you already have a symptom — a lump, bleeding, a non-healing ulcer — you don’t need “screening”, you need a proper check-up and tests now. See cancer warning signs.
Screening tests by cancer
Mouth (oral) cancer
- Who: everyone 30+, especially tobacco, gutkha, paan or alcohol users.
- Test: oral visual examination by a trained health worker or dentist — quick and painless.
- How often: every 5 years under NP-NCD; more often for tobacco users. Check your own mouth in a mirror every month.
Breast cancer
- Who: women 30+.
- Tests: clinical breast examination (CBE) by a trained provider; monthly breast self-awareness at home (see breast self-exam at home); mammography for women 40–50+ as advised by a doctor, or earlier with strong family history.
Cervical cancer
- Who: women 30–65.
- Tests: VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid, free under NP-NCD, every 5 years); Pap smear every 3 years; or HPV DNA test every 5 years. Pre-cancer found on screening can be treated simply.
- Prevention: HPV vaccine for girls 9–14. See HPV vaccine.
Not sure what your doctor said? Our counselors can help you prepare questions for your next appointment and explain your options for cost support. Call +91 99307 09000 or message us on WhatsApp.
Colon and rectal cancer
- Who: adults 45–50+, or earlier with family history.
- Tests: stool test for hidden blood (FIT) every 1–2 years, or colonoscopy every 10 years if normal. Discuss with your doctor. See stomach and colon cancer.
Lung cancer
- Who: long-time heavy smokers aged 50–80.
- Test: low-dose CT scan, only after discussing pros and cons with a chest specialist. Not routine for everyone in India. See lung cancer.
Prostate cancer
PSA blood test is not advised for every man. Men 50+ (or 45+ with family history) can discuss it with a doctor. See tumour marker tests.
Liver cancer
People with cirrhosis or long-term Hepatitis B may need an ultrasound every 6 months, as advised by a liver specialist.
High family risk
If several relatives had breast, ovarian, colon or other cancers, especially at a young age, ask about genetic counselling and earlier screening. See inherited cancer risk.
Beware of “full body cancer test” packages
Labs sometimes sell packages of tumour markers or whole-body scans for healthy people. These are not recommended for screening: they miss many cancers and cause false alarms, extra scans and worry. See can a normal blood test rule out cancer?
Where to get screened
- Ayushman Arogya Mandir / sub-centre / PHC — free oral, breast and cervical screening for 30+.
- District hospital NCD clinics and government medical colleges.
- Cancer NGOs’ screening camps.
- Private hospitals — ask the price first.
Call our helpline and we will help you find a nearby screening option.
Frequently asked questions
Free cancer screening kahan hoti hai?
At Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, PHCs, district hospital NCD clinics and government medical colleges, for oral, breast and cervical cancer, for people 30+.
Is a tumour marker test good for screening?
No. Tumour markers are not recommended for screening healthy people, except PSA in selected men after discussion.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
It may feel a little uncomfortable but takes only a few minutes.
I am 25. Do I need screening?
Routine screening usually starts at 30 in India, but see a doctor at any age if you have symptoms.
If screening is normal, can I skip it next time?
No. Repeat it at the advised interval.
You don’t have to face this alone. Ask Disha (chat on this page), call +91 99307 09000, or WhatsApp us. For hospital care in Uttar Pradesh, see ZenHeal Varanasi and ZenHeal Prayagraj.
Related guides
Sources
- MoHFW: Operational Framework for Prevention, Screening and Control of Common Cancers (NP-NCD)
- WHO: Guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions (2021)
- US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations (colorectal, lung, breast)
- ICMR-NCDIR National Cancer Registry Programme 2020
Request a Cancer Counselor Callback
For questions about reports, treatment options, costs or the Ayushman card, leave your name and phone number to request a callback from a patient counselor. काउंसलर से कॉलबैक का अनुरोध करने के लिए अपना नाम और फ़ोन नंबर छोड़ें।
Love Heals Cancer is a non-profit. We do not promise cures; treatment is decided by your oncologist. By submitting you agree to be contacted by phone/WhatsApp.
