
Q&A
Oncologist
WHY ARE CANCER SCREENINGS SO IMPORTANT?
Most cancers can be cured if detected in early stages, and the only way we can do that is to implement screenings. Early detection improves treatment outcomes and increases the chances of survival. To learn more about cancer screenings, visit BSWHealth.com/specialties/cancer-care.
WHAT ARE THE NEWEST CANCER SCREENINGS, AND HOW HAVE THEY IMPROVED?
One example of quality cancer screening that has a tremendous impact on survival is colonoscopy, which we used to do at age 50 but are now being done at 45 because we see more and more young people having colon cancer. Mammograms for breast cancer have also positively impacted early detection and a higher cure rate with surgery and additional treatments. Low-dose CT lung cancer screening is the newest, and we want to increase awareness so that cancer can be diagnosed in early stages in high-risk populations.
IS THE GOAL FOR EACH TREATMENT TO ELIMINATE THE CANCER, HELP ME FEEL BETTER, OR BOTH?
Treatment goal depends on the stage of the cancer. If it’s early stage, the goal is to eliminate and cure the cancer with surgery and, in some cases, chemotherapy and/or radiation. In advanced stages, the goal becomes palliative, which is treating the patient with adequate chemotherapy for as long as possible while maintaining their quality of life and prolonging their life.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE CANCER STAGES?
Cancer usually starts in a particular organ (for example, a lung). If not detected early, it can spread to lymph nodes and subsequently other organs. We use physical exams, CT, and PET scans to stage the cancer. If it’s in the site of origin, it can be Stage 1 or 2 and can often be cured. If it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, that’s Stage 3; it can often be cured in some cases. If it has spread beyond that, it’s Stage 4 and typically not curable for most cancers.
HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I TELL MY LOVED ONES ABOUT MY DIAGNOSIS?
There’s no right or wrong answer. This is a deeply personal decision. The sooner a patient tells their family, the sooner their family can offer the support they need. However, the right time is when they have all the information regarding the cancer, prognosis, and treatment outcomes. It is essential to be open, honest, and straightforward in explaining their feelings, condition, and treatment plan and in seeking family support.
Individual results may vary. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community, or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health.
About The Expert

Narotham Thudi, MD
Baylor Scott & White — Irving
Dr. Thudi is the medical director of oncology for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Irving. He earned his bachelor’s in medicine and surgery at Osmania Medical College. He then completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey before earning his hematology and oncology fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center.