Early cancer screenings can improve outcomes and survival
One of the biggest problems with cancer is that early on, it sometimes presents no symptoms. As a result, in many cases, long before parts of your body start telling you that something isn’t quite right, the disease has spread its nasty tentacles, making it much more difficult to control and potentially defeat.
There is a way, however, to discover that you have cancer before it does irreparable harm. A variety of screenings are available that check for signs that you have or might eventually get cancer. There certainly is a possibility that undergoing one or more of these tests might save your life.
You probably should start getting cancer screenings when you are in your 40s – or possibly sooner if heredity or other reasons indicate that you might have a higher-than-usual risk of having to deal with the disease.
Screening recommendations by cancer type
What types of screenings are the most useful? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, according to the Cancer Research Institute. However, the CRI points out that the survival rate for a stage 1 cancer diagnosis is greater than 99%. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests regular self-exams and clinical breast exams every one to three years for women in their 20s and 30s and annual screenings for those from 45 to 54. Women in the high-risk category – because of family or individual history or having dense breasts – might require earlier or more frequent screenings.
Several tests are available that are aimed at finding colorectal cancer in its early stages. Colonoscopies, where a tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to look for polyps or cancer, should begin around the age of 45. Non-invasive options include taking stool samples at home and sending them to a lab for testing.
Prostate cancer eventually affects 1 in 9 men. The most common method of finding it is a prostate-specific antigen blood test, which is a whole lot less awkward than the once-popular digital rectal exam. Screening should start around the age of 55 – 45 for African American men, who have a higher risk of getting the disease.
Other screening and prevention considerations
Early detection also is vitally important for victims of cervical cancer. A pap smear, recommended starting at age 21 by the CRI, detects abnormal cells, while an HPV test finds virus strains linked to cervical cancer. The CRI notes that in addition to these screens, an HPV vaccination is an important prevention tool.
Other screenings test for oral, lung and skin cancers. The Cleveland Clinic urges people to reduce the risk of cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle: avoiding all forms of tobacco; maintaining a healthy weight; eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less red and processed meats, sweet drinks and processed foods; limiting alcohol intake; and exercising regularly. All these things help, but taking the time to be screened for various cancers can be a lifesaving decision as well.
By Brian Sherman
