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.
Cancer screening guidelines
Cervical Cancer
A Pap test is a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A new method called a liquid Pap test involves placing the cells in a liquid before they are placed on a slide.
- Women should receive a Pap test starting within 3 years after becoming sexually active, or no later than age 21
- Screening should be done every 2 to 3 years. Talk to your doctor about the best interval for your screenings
- Women who have had a total hysterectomy for reasons unrelated to cancer do not need a Pap test
- Women aged 60 or older should talk to their doctor about whether a Pap test is necessary
For more information: visit the National Cancer Institute Cervical Cancer Screening
Breast Cancer
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors, including those that are too small to feel and abnormal cells that signal early signs of breast cancer.
Women are also advised to practice breast self-awareness. This mean becoming familiar with how your breasts feel and look are they naturally lumpy, are there any particular bumps or wrinkles or freckles? Knowing what feels and looks normal helps you recognize when something is unusual.
- Women age 40 and older should have a yearly mammogram and yearly clinical breast exam
- Women younger than 40 should have a clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years
- Women with an inherited risk for breast cancer may need to begin screening earlier
- All women should practice breast self-awareness
- Yearly MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is also advised for women with an inherited risk of breast cancer
For more information, visit:
Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
When colon cancers are detected and treated at an early state (and have not spread beyond the colon or rectum) they are cured in 90% of all cases. The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men and women should follow one of these five testing options:
- Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (preferred over either option alone)
- Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy. People should begin colon cancer testing earlier or undergo testing more often if they have any of the following colon cancer risk factors:
- Personal history or family history of colon cancer
- Personal or family history of intestinal polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative or Crohn's colitis)
- Certain genetic factors (familial adenomatous polyposis, Gardner's syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)
For more information, please visit:
Prostate Cancer
Who should be screened for prostate cancer, when and how is still being debated by the medical community. Talk to your doctor to determine what option is best, given your health, your medical history and your family history.
For more information, please visit National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Screening.
