Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
The development of improved screening tests for various types of cancer means that physicians can now identify and diagnose cancer at an earlier stage, often before any symptoms are present. With all types of cancer, early detection and diagnosis can make a big difference in outcomes.
Recommended Cancer Screening Tests
Skin Cancer: Screening for skin cancer involves checking your skin and moles for changes, for these could be signs of cancer. An annual skin check by a dermatologist or your regular physician is especially 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 all women 40 years of age and older should have annual screening mammograms. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you based on your family health history and your risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopy screenings for colorectal cancer should start at age 50 and be done every 10 years unless recommended more often by your doctor, up until age 75. This type of screening can detect cancer early, and in many cases, can prevent cancer from developing. Colonoscopies can help identify and allow for the removal of polyps (abnormal, precancerous growths within the colon).
Lung Cancer: Low Dose CT scanning is recommended for some people who are at a 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 smoking 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. For example, if you smoked two packs per day for 20 years, your pack-year score would be 40.
Oral Cancer: Screening for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer can be done during a routine check-up by a dentist or medical doctor. The exam includes 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. It is important to talk with your doctor about the risks and potential benefits of this test based on your personal and family history.
Cervical Cancer: An annual Pap test is advised for all women ages 21 and older. Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Starting 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.
A Vaccine that Prevents Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all children ages 11 to 12 years old should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, which causes several types of cancer including:
• cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
• cancers of the penis in men
• cancers of the anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx) in both women and men
HPV vaccine protects against the majority of these cancers caused by HPV infection. While most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems and the vast majority of HPV infections go away by themselves within two years, some HPV infections last longer and can cause certain cancers and other diseases. Getting your child vaccinated before they become sexually active can prevent over 90% of these cancers.
World-Class Cancer Treatment Close to Home
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has put together a network of expert, board-certified
physicians who bring world‐class cancer treatments to local communities across the state, both large and small. With nearly 100 locations, FCS is the largest independent oncology/hematology group in the United States. That status puts the practice on the leading edge of clinical trial research and gives FCS physicians access to the newest, most innovative 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, and financial counselors at every location, all of which deliver the most advanced and personalized care in your local community.
For more information, visit FLCancer.com
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