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Screening for Cancer

© Gretchen Malik

During the past decades, the outlook for people newly diagnosed with cancer has improved steadily. This is because of the effective treatments and early detection. In fact, many cancers can now be found before cancerous cells have had a chance to spread. Therefore, it is recommended by the American Cancer Society that early detection of cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, thyroid, mouth, skin, lymph nodes and ovaries be done. This includes tests, exams conducted by health-care professionals and self-examinations.

If all women followed this advice, it?s estimated that the five-year survival rate for many cancers would increase to about 95 percent. Just a few minutes could make a lifetime of difference.

1. Breast: yearly mammograms starting at age 40; breast exams by a health-care professional every three years between the ages of 2- and 39, then annually thereafter; monthly self-exam every month.

2. Cervix: pap smear and pelvic exams annually starting at the age of 18, or when a woman becomes sexually active; cervical cancers can be dramatically influenced by the use of early detection techniques; precancerous changes can be identified during routine screenings and removed before they develop into full cancers.

3. Colon and rectum: have one of the following tests performed after age 50 ? Fecal occult blood test every year and Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. Just like cervical cancers, colon and rectal cancers can be influenced by the use of early detection. The death rate for colorectal cancer has been decreasing for more than 15 years because of early detection.

4. General cancers: a general cancer-related checkup every three years between 20 and 39 and then every year after age 40; during these checkups, have your thyroid, ovaries, lymph nodes, mouth and skin checked. Also discuss risk factors such as tobacco, sub exposure, nutrition and sexual practices.

Self-Examinations

Breast self-exams (BSE) ? knowing how your breast normally looks and feel will make it easier to notice changes or symptoms that may indicate cancer. It is recommended that women perform a monthly BSE starting at age 20, at the same time each month. Premenopausal women should perform a BSE a few days after menstruation. Here?s how to perform a BSE:

a. Lie down on a pillow placed under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.

b. Using the finger pads of your three middle fingers of your left hand, feel for lumps in the right breast. Press firmly. A firm ridge in the lower curve of your breasts is normal.