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Cancer Screening Clinic – Detect Early, Stay Protected | LNH
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Cancer Screening Clinic – Detect Early, Stay Protected

As the population is rising, the burden of cancer is also growing rapidly and has become a major health concern. Screening of high-risk populations by specialists and a multidisciplinary team can significantly contribute to early cancer diagnosis, improved survival rates, and the adoption of preventive measures.

Cancer screening is a medical subspecialty in which patients are evaluated for their risk of developing cancer in the future. This evaluation is based on personal, family, and environmental risk factors.

The Oncology Screening Clinic at Liaquat National Hospital places a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive screening services for various types of cancer. It focuses on using the latest technology under the supervision of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including the best cancer surgeon in Karachi. Our doctors’ approach ensures personalized care for each patient, leading to better outcomes.

Additionally, for patients already diagnosed with cancer, we emphasize the importance of cancer diagnostic tests for family members who are at high risk to facilitate early detection and management, such as annual or biannual mammography.

Who is at Risk and Needs Cancer Screening?

A cancer test is recommended for people with the following risk factors:

Breast Cancer

  • Age: Risk of breast cancer increases in women aged 40 years and above.
  • Gender: Females account for approximately 99% of cases, while males account for about 0.5% to 1%. The lifetime risk for men is much lower, approximately 1 in 726.
  • Family History: A family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (parents, children, and siblings), especially women under 50 years, increases the risk by 20–25%.
  • Genetic Mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, along with other high-risk genes, significantly increase the future risk of developing breast cancer (refer to the table below and Genetic Syndromes section).
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use increases risk, especially combined estrogen and progesterone therapy. Risk increases after 3 years of use and by age 80 years rises by approximately 11%. Risk declines after stopping HRT and returns to baseline within 2–5 years.
  • Early Menstruation and Late Menopause: Prolonged estrogen exposure increases breast cancer risk.

Colon Cancer

  • Age: Risk increases after age 50, accounting for more than 50% of cases.
  • Family History: Colon cancer or polyps in first-degree relatives doubles the risk. Risk increases to fourfold if more than one relative is affected or if diagnosis occurred before age 50.
  • Diet: Diets high in red and processed meats and low in fiber increase risk, although screening recommendations are not currently available.
  • Lifestyle: Physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption increase risk; however, no screening recommendations are currently available.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis increase risk after 8 years. Risk rises to approximately 2% after 10 years, 8% after 20 years, and up to 18% after 30 years.

Lung Cancer

  • Smoking: Smoking for 20 years or more significantly increases risk. Screening is recommended for individuals aged 50 years or older with a history of 20 or more pack-years.
    [Pack-Year]: Number of cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by years smoked.
  • Secondhand Smoke: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 20–30% higher risk of lung cancer.
  • Occupational Exposure: Exposure to asbestos, radon gas, coal mining, shipyards, and industrial carcinogens accounts for approximately 15% of lung cancer cases. Cancer may develop 10–30 years after exposure.
  • Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to polluted air and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases lung cancer risk. IARC classifies outdoor air pollution as a Group 1 human carcinogen.

Hepatocellular or Liver Cancer

  • Chronic Hepatitis B or C: A major risk factor requiring regular screening.
  • Cirrhosis: Liver scarring due to alcohol abuse or viral hepatitis significantly increases cancer risk and requires screening.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Linked with obesity and diabetes. Screening is not recommended, but early management is essential to prevent cirrhosis.

Genetic Syndromes

    Genetic syndromes can cause multiple cancers in a single individual due to inherited gene mutations and may be bilateral. Common syndromes include:

  • Lynch Syndrome: Associated with colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, biliary tract, and brain cancers due to mutations in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2.
  • BRCA-Ovarian Cancer Syndrome: Linked to breast and ovarian cancers due to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
  • Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: Associated with breast, brain cancers, osteosarcoma, and acute leukemia caused by TP53 mutations.
  • Cowden Syndrome: Causes breast, thyroid, endometrial, colon cancers, and melanoma due to PTEN mutations.
  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): Characterized by more than 100 colon polyps with a near 100% risk of colon cancer if untreated, along with gastric, duodenal, hepatoblastoma, and desmoid tumors.

Why You Should Visit a Cancer Screening Clinic?

Cancer Screening Clinic at Liaquat National Hospital is the top screening clinic in Karachi, which is playing a significant role in preventing cancer. Our dedicated services include:

Comprehensive Evaluation

Patients receive a complete assessment that includes detailed medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests according to the risk of the patient developing a certain type of cancer.

Cancer Screening Tests

Based on the patient’s risk factors and family history, the doctors recommend the following tests for screening, some of them are listed as follows:

  • Breast Cancer: Mammography, ultrasound.
  • Liver Cancer: Ultrasound, alpha-fetoprotein test, liver function tests.
  • Lung Cancer: Low-dose CT scans, chest X-rays.
  • Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopy, stool tests, and imaging studies.
cancer screening
Cancer test

Genetic Syndromes Screening

Genetic screening for cancer syndromes is being advised to patients who are at high risk of inheriting certain known high-risk genetic mutations, like MSI for LYNCH syndrome, BRCA testing for BRCA-OVARIAN cancer syndrome, and TP53 for Li-Fraumeni syndrome. These syndromes are suspected when any patient develops multiple cancers, bilateral cancers or a very young onset of adult cancer with or without other systemic manifestations.

Risk and Benefit of Counselling at Cancer Screening Clinic

Based on your test results, our oncologists provide a detailed analysis of the potential risks and benefits associated with various cancer screening options. The doctors evaluate the chances of developing specific cancers by considering factors such as family history, lifestyle, genetic predispositions, and other relevant health indicators.

Type of Cancer Risk Factors Life Time Risk of Cancer (%)
Breast General population 11–12%
Family history in first degree relative 20–25%
Positive for BRCA 1 or BRCA2 55–60%
Contralateral breast 20–30%
Early menarche 30%
Late menopause 22%
Colon General population 4%
Family history in any one first degree relative 9%
Family history in more than one first degree relative 16%
Inflammatory bowel disease Ulcerative colitis: 7–10%
Crohn’s disease: 4–6%
Lung Smoking (Cigarettes, Cigars, Electronic cigarettes) >90% risk of acquiring lung cancer
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) or Liver Cancer HBV Carrier 10–25%
Chronic Hepatitis B > 50% risk
Chronic HCV 10-20 fold risk
NASH with cirrhosis 10-25% over 10 years

Moreover, the experts will also explain the advantages of early detection, such as the possibility of less invasive treatments and improved survival rates. This comprehensive guidance ensures that patients can make informed and personalized decisions about their health. This eventually empowers them to choose the most appropriate screening and preventive measures.

Education & Training

We actively conduct seminars to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of cancer screening. Additionally, we share educational material across multiple platforms to further spread the message.

For the general public, we also organize various awareness activities, educational programs, live sessions on our social media, and interactive discussions on FM radio channels. The goal of these initiatives is to inform and educate the public about cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of timely screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer screening is recommended for asymptomatic individuals who are at high risk due to family, environmental, or genetic factors. This includes individuals with first-degree relatives (parents, children, brothers, or sisters) diagnosed with cancer at a very early age or with multiple or bilateral cancers. Chronic smokers and patients diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B or C should also undergo regular screening.

No. Screening tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and low-dose CT scans use very low levels of radiation that do not pose a significant cancer risk. The benefits of early detection far outweigh any minimal potential risk.

The Liaquat National Hospital Cancer Screening Clinic screens for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer. Additional screenings may be offered depending on the patient’s individual risk profile.

The clinic offers a range of screening methods, including mammography, colonoscopy, Pap smear, PSA testing, low-dose CT scans, and skin examinations. The choice of screening method depends on the type of cancer and the patient’s risk factors.

If a screening result is abnormal, further diagnostic tests will be recommended to confirm or rule out cancer. Our oncologists will guide you through the next steps and discuss management or treatment options if required.

For most women, mammography is recommended annually or biennially starting between the ages of 40 and 50, depending on individual risk factors and healthcare provider recommendations.

Colon cancer screening is highly effective in early detection and prevention as it allows identification and removal of precancerous polyps. Regular screening significantly reduces both the incidence and mortality of colon cancer.

For individuals at average risk, colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years. Other screening tests, such as stool-based tests, may be advised annually or every 5 years depending on risk factors and test results.

Screening frequency depends on individual risk factors. High-risk individuals are usually advised to undergo liver ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein testing every 6 months.

A single blood test cannot diagnose kidney cancer. However, abnormal blood results, such as altered blood cell counts or elevated substances, may indicate kidney dysfunction and prompt further evaluation.

E-cigarettes and vaping may pose health risks, including lung cancer. Avoiding all forms of tobacco and nicotine products is the best way to reduce these risks.

Aflatoxin exposure occurs through consumption of contaminated foods such as corn, peanuts, and tree nuts that have been improperly stored, allowing mold growth.

For information regarding cancer screening tests and biopsy costs, please contact us at the provided phone number.

Our Expert Doctor

Prof. Dr. Naila A. Zahid

Prof. Dr. Naila A. Zahid

Head of Department


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Contact Information

For appointment and details, please call us on the given numbers between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday:

OPD Office: 021-34413010, 021-34413011, 021-34413012, 021-34413036 and 021-34412576

Oncology OPD: 021-34412716,

WhatsApp Chatbot: 021-111-456-456 or download our mobile app LNH Care.