The words cancer screening can stir up a lot of anxiety. Sometimes we put off important exams because we are afraid. We schedule routine maintenance for our cars, have annual physical exams, and visit the dentist to help prevent problems before they become serious. Our health deserves the same attention. Cancer screenings are an important part of preventive care because they can detect certain cancers early—when it is often easier to treat—or identify changes that can be addressed before cancer develops. Taking the time to stay current with recommended screenings is an investment in your long-term health.
Breast Cancer Screening
It is recommended women start biennial (every two years) mammograms from ages 40-74 for women at average risk. Some organizations still recommend annual screening beginning at age 40, so reach out to your healthcare provider for more information and guidance. If you have a known history or a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may decide that you should receive breast cancer screening earlier than the recommendation. Always consult your doctor with any questions or concerns.
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 years old, per the American Cancer Society. Talk to your health care provider if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, genetic history, history of polyps, or history of inflammatory bowel disease. Your physician may want you to start earlier screenings. Some recommended screenings:
- At home stool-based tests like Guaiac-fecal occult blood test
- Colonoscopy-visual exam using a scope to look inside the rectum and colon looking for any abnormalities.
Cervical Cancer Screening starts between 21- 29 years old. The recommendation is to have a pap test every three years. Ages 30-65 should also have a pap test every three years. For women over 65, with a history of three normal pap tests in a row, and who have never had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, the recommendation is that you can stop getting these screenings unless your physician determines you need more testing. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer linked to Human papillomavirus, HPV and is preventable with the HPV vaccine and regular pap tests.
What is Human papillomavirus, HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and certain cancers of the mouth, throat, and neck. Some types of HPV can also cause genital warts.
Is there an HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers and many other HPV-related cancers. It is routinely recommended for both boys and girls between nine and 12 years of age, when the vaccine provides the strongest immune response. If someone was not vaccinated at the recommended age, they can still receive the vaccine later. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether HPV vaccination is appropriate for you.
The HPV vaccine has been shown to prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by the HPV types it targets, making it one of the most effective tools for cancer prevention.
Why vaccinate before my child is sexually active?
The HPV vaccine works best before a person is exposed to the virus. Vaccinating children at ages nine through 12 allows their immune systems to build strong, long-lasting protection before they are ever exposed to HPV. The goal of the vaccine isn’t to address sexual activity – it’s to prevent cancer later in life.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Men ages 50-69 (or earlier if at higher risk) should discuss the benefits and risks of screening with their healthcare provider.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer screening is recommended for adults 50-80 years old who have a 20-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening is done with a low-dose CT scan, which can detect lung cancer early when treatment is most effective. If you have a history of smoking, ask your healthcare provider if you qualify for screening.
Skin Cancer Screening
There is no recommended age to begin routine skin cancer screening for everyone, but performing regular skin self-exams and reporting any changes to your healthcare provider is important. Watch for moles or spots that change in size, shape, color, or texture, or sores that do not heal. Early detection can make a significant difference in successful treatment.
Cancer screening is one of the most effective tools we have for detecting cancer early, when treatment is often easier and more successful. Not every screening is right for every person, and recommendations may vary based on your age, personal health history, and family history. Talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings are appropriate for you. Staying up to date with recommended screenings is an important step toward protecting your health and can even save your life.
*NOTE The information above was taken from various sources, to explain cancer screenings. This information is meant to be truthful, accurate, & educational and not meant to misrepresent any article previously written and submitted by any organization. Informational ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Seek medical advice from your physician.
