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Cancer Screening Clinic in Karachi | Protect Your Health Early
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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 having breast cancer increases in women aged 40 years and above.
  • Gender: Female accounts for approximately 99% of cases, while on the other hand male account for only about 0.5% to 1% of all breast cancer cases. The lifetime risk for men is much lower, about 1 in 726.
  • Family History: Family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives, i.e., parents, children and siblings (especially women under 50 years), the risk increased by 20-25%.
  • Genetic Mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and some other high-risk genes significantly raise the future risk of developing breast cancer (for details, refer to the table below and the genetic syndrome heading)
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use may increase risk, especially the combination of estrogen and progesterone. The longer the duration, the higher the risk, especially beyond 3 years. By age 80 years the risk increases by 11%. The risk declines after stopping HRT, returning to baseline within about 2 to 5 years.
  • Early Menstruation and Late Menopause: These factors can prolong exposure to estrogen, hence increasing the risk.

Colon Cancer

  • Age: Risk increases for individuals over 50, accounting for more than 50% as per a study.
  • Family History: A history of colon cancer or polyps in immediate family members, i.e., parents, children and siblings, increases the risk. The risk will be 2 times higher compared to those without such a family history, even greater if the affected relative was diagnosed before age 50 or if multiple first-degree relatives are affected. The relative risk would be approx. 2 with only 1 member affected, which will increase to 4 if more than 1 affected.
  • Diet: A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fiber can increase risk, although screening recommendations are not available up-till now.
  • Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use can contribute to a higher risk, but no screening recommendations are available up-till now.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis increase the risk, especially after 8 years of onset, so screening is advised. Risk increases over time: about 2% after 10 years, 8% after 20 years, and up to 18% after 30 years of disease duration.

Lung Cancer

  • Smoking: Smoking for 20 years or more elevates the risk of lung cancer. The longer a person smokes, the greater their risk, even if they do not smoke heavily. The screening recommendations are for individuals who are 50 years or older and have 20 or more pack-years of smoking history.
    [Pack-Year]: A pack-year is a unit for measuring the amount of tobacco a person has smoked over a long period. It is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years a person has smoked.
  • Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk. Adults who do not smoke but are exposed to secondhand smoke have a 20% to 30% higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those not exposed.
  • Occupational Exposure: People working in coal mines, shipyards, industries or people with exposure to asbestos, radon gas, and other carcinogens are at increased risk if exposed, accounting for 15% of lung cancer caused by occupational exposure. It takes at least 10-30 years from exposure to cancer to be evident.
  • Air Pollution: Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases risk, including smoke and industrial pollutants. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies outdoor air pollution and particulate matter as Group 1 human carcinogens (which means carrying a significant risk of cancer). Long-term exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, but not as high as smoking.

Hepatocellular or Liver Cancer

  • Chronic Hepatitis B or C: Chronic viral hepatitis is a significant risk factor that needs screening.
  • Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver, often from alcohol abuse or viral hepatitis, increases the risk and screening is advised.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Associated with obesity and diabetes, this condition can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. Screening is not recommended, but should be addressed and treated to prevent cirrhosis.

Genetic Syndromes

    Genetic syndromes can lead to the presence of more than one type of cancer in a single individual due to abnormalities in specific genes that are inherited within families and can be bilateral. A few of them are as follows:

  • Lynch Syndrome: Also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. This syndrome is primarily associated with colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, biliary tract, and brain cancer and is caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes like MLH-1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2.
  • BRCA-Ovarian Cancer Syndrome: is associated with breast and ovarian cancer and is caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
  • Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: is associated with breast, brain cancers, osteosarcoma and acute leukemia linked to mutations in the TP53 gene.
  • Cowden Syndrome: can cause breast, thyroid, endometrium, colon cancers and melanomas due to the mutation in the PTEN gene.
  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP): (FAP) is characterized by the presence of more than 100 polyps in the colon that develop at a young age. These have 100% probability of progressing to colon cancer if left untreated. Additionally, this syndrome is linked to an increased risk of gastric and duodenal adenocarcinoma, 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

Screening is done in asymptomatic population who are at high risk based on family, environmental and genetic risk factors like any family member being diagnosed with multiple or bilateral cancer or being diagnosed at very early age so very 1st blood relatives (mother, father, children, brothers and sister) should be screened, similarly chronic smokers, chronic Hepatitis B and C diagnosed patients should also be screened.

No, as the screening tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, and low-dose CT scans use very low levels of radiation. Hence, this amount does not cause any major cancer risk. However, the benefits of early detection outweigh any minimal risk.

Liaquat National Hospital cancer screening clinic screens for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer. Furthermore, it may offer specific screenings depending on the patient’s risk profile.

The clinic uses a variety of screening methods, including mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, PSA tests, low-dose CT scans, and skin examinations, among others. The appropriate screening method is determined based on the type of cancer being screened for.

If a screening test result is abnormal, the doctor will recommend further diagnostic tests to determine whether cancer is present. Our oncologists will guide you through the next steps and discuss potential treatment options if necessary.

For most women, annual or biennial mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 to 50. This depends on individual risk factors and healthcare provider recommendations.

Yes, the colon cancer screening is highly effective in early detection and prevention of cancer as it identifies and removes precancerous polyps. Moreover, regular screening also helps in reducing the incidence and mortality of colon cancer.

For average-risk individuals, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years, while other tests, such as stool tests, may be recommended annually or every 5 years. Screening intervals vary based on personal risk factors and test results.

The frequency of screening depends on individual risk factors. For high-risk individuals, regular screenings every 6 months with U/S liver and alpha-fetoprotein are often recommended to monitor liver health and detect any early signs of cancer.

While single blood test cannot diagnose kidney cancer, they play a crucial role in the diagnostic process. For example, abnormal blood cell counts and high levels of certain substances in the blood can indicate a problem with kidney function.

E-cigarettes and vaping could pose health risks, including lung cancer. The best approach is to avoid all tobacco and nicotine products to reduce health risks.

Exposure occurs when people consume food contaminated with aflatoxin. This can happen if food products like corn, peanuts, or tree nuts are improperly stored, allowing mould growth.

For cancer screening test information, please call us at the given number.

A blood test cannot detect breast cancer. There are other tests recommended for this, such as mammography, biopsy or self-examination at home.

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.