A cancer diagnosis changes everything; it is, perhaps, the most feared diagnosis a doctor can deliver. Every cancer patient wants to be assured they have access to the most advanced treatments, delivered by a physician who is both experienced and compassionate … and it helps tremendously if treatment can be administered in a community setting, close to home, so the patient can be surrounded by family and friends. However, no matter what type of cancer or what the cause of cancer, the earlier it is detected, the more treatable it usually is and the better the outcome for the patient.
Cancer Screenings Decreased During COVID-19
A recent study conducted for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) showed a substantial decrease in the number of cancer screenings, diagnosis and treatment for senior adults and Medicare beneficiaries because, during the early months of the pandemic, many people chose to delay or even skip regular screenings, such as mammograms, prostate exams, PSA testing or colonoscopies, among others, for various types of cancer. This has resulted in later diagnoses for some patients and delays in beginning treatment.
Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) urges everyone to talk with their physician about cancer screenings and follow recommended guidelines, so that an early diagnosis is possible. Here are some of the most common cancer screenings for people at an average risk for cancer and with no family history:
Skin Cancer: Screening for skin cancer involves checking your skin and any moles for changes that could be signs of cancer. An annual skin check by a dermatologist or your regular physician is recommended for those with a family history of skin cancer.
Breast Cancer: In addition to monthly self-examinations, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that, starting at age 40, all women should have annual screening mammograms. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you, based on your own family health history and your risk factors.
Cervical Cancer: A Pap test is advised for all women, beginning at age 21. Women from 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Beginning at age 30, ACS recommends a Pap test combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing every five years. Testing should continue until the age of 65.
Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 45 and be done every 10 years, unless recommended more often by your doctor, up until age 75. This type of screening not only detects cancer early, but, in many cases, it can prevent cancer from developing by identifying and removing polyps (abnormal, precancerous growths within the colon).
Lung Cancer: Low-dose CT scanning is recommended for some people who are at higher risk for lung cancer. This group includes adults, ages 55 to 80, who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. To determine a pack-year score, multiply the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked. So, if you smoked two packs a day for 20 years, your pack-year score would be 40.
Oral Cancer: Screening for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer may be done during a routine checkup by a dentist or medical doctor. The exam will include looking for lesions or abnormal-looking areas in the mouth and throat. 75% of all head and neck cancers begin in the oral cavity.
Prostate Cancer: The PSA test is used to screen men for prostate cancer; however, it is not clear if the benefits of testing all men outweigh the risks, such as finding and treating slow-growing cancers that do not require treatment. It is important to talk with your doctor about the risks and potential benefits, based on your personal and family history.
WORLD-CLASS CANCER
TREATMENT CLOSE TO HOME
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has a statewide network of expert, board-certified physicians who bring world‐class cancer treatments to local communities, both large and small, in locations throughout Florida. FCS is also a strategic partner with Sarah Cannon, one of the leading research and clinical trial organizations in the world. This alliance provides FCS patients access to the newest, most innovative and most promising treatments.
Florida Cancer Specialists treats patients with all types of cancer and offers a number of services, including an in-house specialty pharmacy, an in-house pathology lab, financial counselors at every location and 24/7 access to Care Managers, who help deliver the most advanced and personalized care in your local community.
Florida Cancer Specialists
North Port
3085 Bobcat Village Center Road
North Port, Florida 34288
Port Charlotte
22395 Edgewater Drive
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Venice Island
901 South Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34285
Venice Healthpark
836 Sunset Lake Blvd,
Suite 101
Venice, FL 34292
Englewood
714 Doctors Drive
Englewood, FL 34223-3992
For more information, visit FLCancer.com