Trying to navigate the world of cancer screenings can be a
headache. After a certain age we know that cancer screenings need to become a
routine, but figuring out exactly how often you should and which tests to take
can create a seemingly impossible puzzle.
Without a doubt these tests prevent cancer with
identification and remove and/or treatment of premalignant abnormalities. Cancer screening tests can
also improve survival and decrease mortality by detecting cancer at an early
stage when treatment is more effective. They also help detect cancer early improving
the likelihood of survival while decreasing the overall mortality rate. It is
important to understand these tests, so that you can be getting the medical
care you need.
Breast Cancer
It is
recommended to patients to receive mammograms every year between the ages of 50
to 74. The old recommendations said women should start these screenings at 40,
but it is now known that these screenings bring mixed benefits. Ultimately, the
American Cancer Society says it should be the personal choice of the female who
should consider medical and genetic history to guide their final decision.
Colorectal Cancer
Between
the age of 50 to 74 individuals should follow a regime of screenings. Doctors
should perform a stool test annually, a colonoscopy once a decade, and
sigmoidoscopy every five years. Most adults have the colonoscopies more than
necessary according to the American Cancer Society which adds up medical costs
with no particular value to the patient.
Cervical Cancer
Starting
at age 21 women should receive a pap test every three years. When women reach
the age of 30 they can choose to combine the pap test with an HPV test. This
combination allows women to only need to take the test every five years instead
of every three. At the age of 65 doctors recommend women stop taking the test,
because there is little value in the screenings.
Prostate
Cancer
The topic of PSA tests is a controversial one with many pros
and cons for individuals to consider. Men between the age of 50 and 69 should
discuss with their doctors whether they want to participate in the screenings
or not as well as the men doing independent research. Often these tests are
performed with the permission of the patient, and according to the American
Cancer Society over a third of men who’ve had this test don’t recall it.
Ovarian
Cancer
The ovarian cancer screening options is one that patients
should actually avoid even if a doctor recommends it. A new review recently
pointed out that the blood tests and ultrasound exams recommended for screening
are not useful. Often by the time this cancer has been found, it’s already
spread. There is not a screening technology which actually can pinpoint this
cancer before it is too late.
Conclusion
on Cancer Sceenings
As a responsible patient, it is important for individuals to
make independent decisions as to whether they want to go through with a screening
or not. It is okay to turn down a test even if a doctor recommends it, because
the cost and lack of value in over-testing is wasteful. Never feel afraid to
say “no thanks” to your doctor or nurse.