Overview
Most cancer screening programmes are built around women over 40, but risk does not begin at that age. A family history of cancer, a known genetic variant, hormonal conditions, or unexplained symptoms — persistent bloating, unusual fatigue, a change in bowel habits — are all reasons to investigate earlier rather than later. Ovarian cancer is worth noting specifically: there is no standard population-level screening for it at any age, which is why CA 125 testing, included here, matters.
The Cancer Risk Assessment for Women Below 40 Years (Standard) covers the investigations most relevant to younger women in a single visit. It includes blood-based tumour markers for ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and thyroid cancers; a cervical Pap Smear; a full blood count; stool occult blood testing; a Chest X-ray; and Sono Mammography for breast assessment. Breast ultrasound is the appropriate modality for this age group — younger women have denser breast tissue, and ultrasound performs better in that context than X-ray mammography, without radiation exposure. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound and two oncologist consultations are included as well.
Women who want more detailed lung imaging can consider the Advanced version of this package, which replaces the Chest X-ray with a Low-Dose Chest CT Scan.
Key Details at a Glance
Ideal Candidate
Preparation
Overnight 10–12 hour fast required; water is permitted
Time on Site: Approximately 3–4 hours for tests only (consultation next day only)
Report Turnaround
Accreditations
Oncologist Consultation
Payment
UPI, cards, cash, and easy EMI options available
Available at: All RxDx branches across Bengaluru
Components
Laboratory Tests
Imaging & Screening
Consultation
Oncologist Consultation ×2 (clinic visits at Sarjapur Road and Whitefield branches on select days; teleconsultation available from anywhere)
Who Should Take This Package?
- Women under 40 with a family history of breast, ovarian, cervical, colorectal, thyroid, or pancreatic cancer
- Those with a known genetic risk factor — BRCA variants, Lynch syndrome in the family, or other inherited predispositions
- Women experiencing unexplained symptoms: persistent bloating, a change in bowel habits, unusual fatigue, unexpected weight loss, or a new breast lump
- Those who have had a borderline or abnormal result on a previous test and want a comprehensive review with specialist input
- Women with prolonged exposure to risk factors — smoking, high-fat dietary patterns, obesity, or hormonal therapies — even at a younger age
- Those who want a clear starting point — a baseline assessment with oncologist guidance — before the standard screening age
Benefits
- Sono Mammography (breast ultrasound) for breast assessment — better suited to denser breast tissue common in younger women, and avoids X-ray radiation exposure
- Chest X-ray for baseline lung and thoracic screening
- CA 125 included — the key marker for ovarian cancer risk, for which there is no standard population-level screening programme
- Multiple tumour markers for colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and thyroid cancers in a single blood draw
- Pap Smear for cervical cancer screening
- Stool occult blood test for early detection of colorectal bleeding
- Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound to assess key internal organs
- Two oncologist consultations included — in clinic or by teleconsultation
- Available across all RxDx branches in Bengaluru
- NABL-accredited laboratory and advanced imaging facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Should women under 40 really be screened for cancer?
Why is Sono Mammography used instead of X-ray Mammography?
Breast ultrasound and X-ray mammography work differently in different tissue types. Younger women tend to have denser breast tissue, and dense tissue can obscure findings on an X-ray mammogram. Ultrasound works well in dense tissue and does not involve radiation exposure. If the scan raises any concern, your oncologist will advise on whether X-ray mammography or MRI is needed as a next step.
What is CA 125 and why does it matter for younger women?
CA 125 is a blood marker associated with ovarian cancer. Unlike breast or cervical cancer, ovarian cancer has no standard population-level screening programme, which is part of why it is so often diagnosed late. For women with a family history of ovarian cancer, a BRCA variant, or symptoms such as persistent bloating, CA 125 is one of the few blood-based tools that can prompt earlier investigation.
What is a Pap Smear?
A Pap Smear collects a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for abnormal changes that may indicate cervical cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. It is quick, low-discomfort, and recommended for all women from their mid-twenties onwards.
What are tumour markers and what do they actually tell you?
Tumour markers are proteins or other substances that cancer cells — or the body in response to cancer — produce in elevated amounts. CA 19.9 relates to pancreatic and bile duct cancers, CEA to colorectal and other malignancies, AFP to liver cancer. No single marker confirms a diagnosis; a raised result means further investigation is warranted, which is why oncologist review is part of this package rather than an optional add-on.
What is the Stool Occult Blood Test?
It checks for traces of blood in the stool that are not visible to the eye. Hidden blood loss can be an early indicator of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps — one of the few cancers where early detection changes outcomes substantially. A small stool sample is all that is needed; no bowel preparation is required.
What is the turnaround time for reports?
Blood test, Chest X-ray, sono mammography, and ultrasound results are available digitally on the same day. The oncologist consultation is scheduled once the complete report is prepared.
What is the flow of the check-up?
On arrival: registration → vitals → sample collection → imaging (Chest X-ray, sono mammography, USG) → Pap Smear → oncologist consultation. Our team coordinates each step to keep wait times down.
Do I need to fast before my visit?
Yes, an overnight fast of 10–12 hours is required for certain blood tests. Water is permitted. Detailed preparation instructions will be shared after booking.
How does this differ from the Advanced package for women below 40?
Both packages include the same tumour markers, Pap Smear, Sono Mammography, and abdominal ultrasound. The Standard package includes a Chest X-ray for baseline lung assessment. The Advanced package replaces this with a Low-Dose Chest CT Scan for more detailed lung imaging. The Advanced package is available at the Whitefield branch; the Standard is available at all RxDx branches.
What happens if something needs follow-up?
If any result — an elevated marker, an unusual ultrasound finding, or an area of concern on sono mammography — warrants further investigation, your oncologist will explain clearly what it means and what needs to happen next. Our team will assist with any specialist referrals or additional tests required.
Whom should I contact for enquiries or assistance before booking?
Call our Patient Care Coordinator at +91 9014091111 (Mon–Sat, 9 am–6 pm) or WhatsApp “Hi” to the same number.
