Cancer is a life-changing diagnosis. It claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. But did you know nearly half of cancers are preventable?
February is national cancer prevention month. Cancer screening for women saves lives by catching the disease early when it’s most treatable. In this blog, we share how to prevent cancer today by getting screened.
What Is Cancer Screening?
Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control. It can develop nearly anywhere in the body, even in the blood. Untreated cancer can spread to other body parts (metastasize). When it’s caught early, there’s a better chance of stopping the disease from advancing and spreading.
Getting screened for cancer means looking for it before you have any symptoms. You don’t have to be sick to get screened. Age, health status, and family history can all be risk factors in determining which cancer screenings are right for you.
What Tests Are Done for Cancer Screening for Women?
Different types of cancer require their own screening tests for women. Examples include colonoscopies for colon cancer and mammograms for breast cancer.
The first step to getting screened is to see a healthcare provider – even if you feel healthy. These are some ways a doctor may screen you for cancer:
- Physical exam. A doctor reviews your medical history. A physical exam is to check your body systems for any abnormal findings.
- Lab tests. Samples of your blood, urine, or body tissue can be used to check for cancer. A test called a biopsy uses a sample of body tissue to look for cancer cells.
- Imaging. Tests like an MRI or CT scan use specialized imaging to check for cancerous growth inside your body.
- Genetic tests. Tests can tell if you have a genetic mutation that causes cancer. For example, the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations are linked to breast cancer. This test is used to predict a woman’s risk of cancer.
When Should I Get Screened for Cancer?
Adult women should be screened for cancer based on age and risk factors. If you have a family history of cancer, you may need to be screened sooner.
Here are recommended timeframes for when to get screened based on the type of cancer:
- Breast cancer. Women should start getting mammograms at age 40. You should also start doing self-breast exams starting at 25.
- Cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). A pap test checks for cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix. Women should get a pap test every three years. After 30, your doctor may also do an HPV test to screen for cervical cancer.
- Colorectal cancer. Women should get a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45.
- Skin cancer. See a dermatologist for a routine skin check. Long-term sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer. Other risks are tanning bed use or having more than 50 moles.
Women should also be screened for lung, liver, ovarian, and endometrial cancer if they have known risk factors.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cancer?
The signs and symptoms of cancer vary by type. For example, a persistent cough is a sign of lung cancer, but not ovarian. Always bring up unusual or new symptoms to a doctor.
Be familiar with the general warning signs of cancer such as:
- Skin changes. If you have new moles, skin lesions, or discoloration, see a dermatologist. Moles that change shape and color or start to bleed should be checked out.
- Head problems. Headaches and vision or hearing changes can be a sign of neurological cancer. Get seen for persistent or new symptoms.
- Changes to your eating pattern. Stomach cancer can cause pain after eating, difficulty swallowing, appetite changes, and abdominal pain.
- Breast changes. Adult women should perform self-breast exams. If you find a lump, let your doctor know. Other signs of breast cancer are red, itchy skin on the breast, and abnormal nipple discharge (if you are not breastfeeding).
- Urinary changes. Difficulty urinating, pain, or bleeding may be a sign of bladder cancer.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising. Certain types of blood cancer cause unexplained bruising and bleeding. Get checked out if you have these symptoms.
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Over 40% of cancer diagnoses are preventable. You can take steps to prevent cancer by following these healthy lifestyle tips:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise
- Reduce alcohol use
- Quit smoking
- Wear sunscreen outside
- Use protection during sex
- Get regular healthcare
- Get vaccinated for vaccine-preventable cancers (such as HPV)
Talk to a doctor about getting screened for cancer today. Remember, you don’t have to be sick to get screened. Prevent cancer today by getting screened. Visit your doctor for a routine physical or lab testing.
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