What you need to know about cancer screenings
Becky Eggleston, B.S., R.N., O.C.N., Cancer AnswerLine Manager, explains what you need
to know about cancer screenings.
Between 3% and 35% of cancer deaths could be avoided through screening.
The risk of developing many types of cancer can be reduced by practicing healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking. Also, the sooner a cancer is found and treatment begins, the better the chances are that the treatment will be successful.Between 3% and 35% of cancer deaths could be avoided through screening.
But, even though most screening tests are noninvasive or minimally invasive, some do present small risks of serious complications. Some tests can produce false-positives, which may lead to anxiety and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.
Even with some potential drawbacks, cancer screenings should be an important part of your health care. The 
National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society recommend screening people of average risk for
colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer.
Deciding to participate in a cancer screening is a personal health decision that should be based on a conversation between you and your doctor.
Adjust Text Size