Cancer screenings are critical in the fight against the disease, facilitating early detection when treatment is most effective. With the American Cancer Society anticipating around 2 million new cancer diagnoses by 2025, staying on top of recommended screenings becomes vital. February, designated as National Cancer Prevention Month, serves as an excellent reminder to review your screening status and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
According to experts from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health, it’s essential to follow current guidelines which vary by age, risk factors, and family medical histories. Here’s an overview of the key screenings you should consider:
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Commence screening at age 45. Individuals aged 45 and older should undergo routine assessments, while those at heightened risk due to family history should consult their doctor for potential earlier screenings. Regular screenings should continue until age 75, with recommendations for those aged 76 to 85 varying by physician advice.
Types of screenings include:
– Colonoscopy (every 10 years) – A thorough examination of the colon that can detect and eliminate polyps.
– Stool-based tests (every 1-3 years) – This includes various tests like FIT and stool DNA-FIT.
– Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) or CT colonography (every 5 years).
Breast Cancer Screening: Initiate at age 40, with women between 40 to 54 advised to have mammograms annually. Women aged 55 and over may switch to biannual screenings, continuing as long as they remain in good health and expect at least another decade of life.
Screening options include:
– Mammogram – A low-dose X-ray for detecting abnormalities in breast tissue.
– Additional tests – For those with dense breast tissue, discussing an ultrasound or MRI may be beneficial.
Lung Cancer Screening: Targeted at high-risk adults. Individuals aged 50 to 80 with a smoking history of 20 pack-years who currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years should be screened for lung cancer.
The primary screening method is the Low-Dose CT scan (LDCT), which serves as an advanced X-ray technique to identify lung cancer early.
Prostate Cancer Screening: This is a personal choice. Men aged 45 and above should discuss with their doctors the merits of screening. Those who are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer might consider beginning screenings at age 40.
Screening involves the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a blood test to help gauge prostate cancer risk. Detecting cancer before symptoms arise significantly enhances survival probabilities. Men at increased risk should consult their doctors regarding early screenings, even before the usual guidelines suggest.
For those seeking more information on cancer and its preventative measures, the American Cancer Society offers a wealth of resources.
Cancer screenings are essential for early detection of cancer, which is crucial for effective treatment. Various types of screenings are recommended based on age and risk factors, including colorectal, breast, lung, and prostate cancer. It’s vital for individuals to consult their doctors about their specific screening needs to enhance survival odds.
Early detection through regular cancer screenings can vastly improve survival outcomes. Individuals should engage with healthcare providers to determine appropriate screenings based on individual health profiles and history. Furthermore, awareness during National Cancer Prevention Month serves as a valuable prompt to take proactive measures for health and well-being.
Original Source: www.gjsentinel.com
