In one way or another, cancer has affected most of us. You may have had a loved one who has battled cancer, or you may have dealt with a diagnosis yourself. No matter how cancer has shown up in your life, you know it can be a very serious disease. Developments in cancer research over the last several decades mean that cancer survival rates are higher than ever, but anxiety about cancer is hard to shake. Thankfully, many risk factors for cancer are under your control.
There may be cancer prevention habits that you do every day, like getting physical activity or eating a balanced diet, but many of us fail to make time for regular screenings. Screening tests help doctors find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Medical professionals have developed screening guidelines for some of the most common cancers. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that certain people get regular screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancers.
Breast Cancer
What is it?
Breast cancer affects the cells in breast tissue. Although anyone can get breast cancer, it is mostly found in women.
What is the screening test?
There are many ways to screen for breast cancer, but mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast.
Do I need a screening?
Experts recommend an annual screening at age 40 for average-risk women and annual screenings at age 30 for high-risk women. Some women may need screening even sooner depending on individual risks.
Cervical Cancer
What is it?
Cervical cancer affects the cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer.
What is the screening test?
The most common screening test for cervical cancer is a Pap test, also called a Pap smear. A doctor uses a brush to collect cells from the cervix to look at them and see if any are abnormal.
Do I need a screening?
Experts recommend Pap tests every three years for women age 21 or older.
Ask your doctor for more information about the vaccine that exists to prevent cervical cancer (and head and neck cancers). It is recommended for children starting at age 11 through 26, but up to 45 in some situations.
Colorectal Cancer
What is it?
Colorectal cancer affects the cells in the colon or the rectum. Sometimes this disease is called colon cancer for short.
What is the screening test?
Screening tests for colorectal cancer can be stool-based tests or visual tests, like a colonoscopy. Stool-based tests either look for blood in the stool or signs of cancer in your DNA. Visual tests look for polyps, or growths, which may turn into cancer.
Should I get a screening?
Experts recommend that everyone get colorectal cancer screenings between ages 45 and 75. How often you get a screening test will depend on the type of test you get. Stool tests should occur every one to three years, while visual tests occur every five to 10 years.
Lung Cancer
What is it?
Lung cancer affects the cells in the lungs and is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
What is the screening test?
The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan. During this scan, you lie on a table while an X-ray machine takes pictures of your lungs.
Do I need a screening?
Experts recommend yearly lung cancer screenings for smokers between 50 and 80 years old.
People who are at higher risk for certain cancers due to factors like personal or family medical history may need cancer screenings sooner or more often than others do. Your doctor will help you know whether you should have certain cancer screening tests. It is important to be honest with your doctor about your body, lifestyle and health so they can help you get the tests or treatments you need.
Visit healthynwa.org for more information on finding a doctor, paying for health care and preparing for appointments. Connect with a Community Health Worker for additional support. Find one near you by visiting nwa.uams.edu/chr/chw.