In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Dr. Shazma Mithani, an ER doctor, and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, a family doctor, tackle an important listener question: How can I stay up to date with cancer screening to reduce my risk?

Cancer screening is not about finding something wrong—it’s about catching potential issues early, sometimes before symptoms even appear. This episode covers what you need to know about cancer screening, including when to start, how often to screen, and why early detection can save lives.

What we cover in this episode

Breast Cancer Screening: Why there’s a push to lower the starting age from 50 to 40, plus screening guidelines based on personal and family history.

Cervical Cancer Screening: The shift toward HPV testing from Pap tests, and why regular screenings are crucial even if you feel fine.

https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/human-papillomavirus-hpv-test

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Why younger adults are seeing higher rates of colorectal cancer and what you can do to detect it early.

Prostate Cancer Screening: The PSA debate—why routine testing isn’t always recommended in Canada and what men should know.

Lung Cancer Screening: Who qualifies for low-dose CT scans, and why chest X-rays often miss lung cancer.

True or False Rapid Round! Debunking common myths about cancer screening.

When to See Your Doctor vs. the ER: If you have symptoms like unexplained bleeding, pain, or weight loss—don’t delay seeking medical attention.

Taking Action

Know your age and eligibility for screening. Ask about family history—it matters. Don’t skip tests just because you feel fine. Get back on track if life got in the way.

If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it—it could literally save a life.

Episode Sponsored by Always Discreet: Thank you to Always Discreet for sponsoring this episode of the DocTalk Podcast! Get your promo code for your product at: https://www.checkout51.com/offer/Always-Discreet-Underwear-and-Pads-coupon69862

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your health.