Cancer Prevention
Cancer Prevention
Screening, Early Detection, Prevention
February is Cancer Prevention Month
I recently spent a weekend away on a women's retreat and we had a great laugh discussing the trials and tribulations of preparing for and getting a colonoscopy. The uncomfortable truth is that screening for cancer is often unpleasant and embarrassing, yet early detection of cancer saves lives. After several years as an Oncology Nurse I have a vested interest in cancer prevention. Cancer prevention is a combination of screening, early detection and prevention, much of which you can start doing today.
Screening by the Numbers
Family history, symptoms and other risk factors may require you to screen sooner, and more often, but for people with average risk of cancer the American Cancer Society recommends the following:
Age 25 - Cervical Cancer Screening (Women)
What is it? And how frequent?
A Pelvic Exam to visualize, and take a sample of the cells of, the cervix (pap smear) and test for HPV.
Every 5 years.
Age 40 to 45 - Breast Cancer Screening (Women and High Risk Men)
What is it? And how frequent
A Mammogram is performed by a trained Radiologic Technician who will use a machine with plastic plates to compress (flatten)your breasts and uses low dose x-ray to detect abnormal breast changes.
Every 1 year.
Age 45 - Colorectal Cancer Screening (Men and Women)
What is it? And how frequent?
A Colonoscopy is performed by a Doctor while you are under sedation, a colonoscope (long flexible tube with a camera) is inserted into the rectum and the large intestine (colon). This allows for pictures, biopsies and polyp removal. Biopsied materials and polyps are then studied in the lab.
The bowel prep is to empty and clean the bowels in preparation for the colonoscopy. Preparation may take a few days and typically requires at least a day of clear liquid diet and laxatives (you will need to have plenty of access to your toilet.)
Every 10 years.
Age 50 - Prostate Cancer Screening (Men) (Age 45 if African American)
What is it? And how frequent
A laboratory test that detects circulating volume of Prostate Specific Antigen PSA in the blood.
Digital Rectal Exam -Doctor inserts lubricated, gloved finger in rectum to feel for lumps on prostate.
Every 2 years.
This information should not be construed as medical advise. You should consult with your doctor and decide the screening schedule that is right for you.
Early Detection
Early Detection is so important to improved outcomes in cancer treatment. Screening for cancer at the ages listed above are great ways to detect cancer early. There are also things that you can do at home such as skin exams, self breast exams and monitoring for symptoms.
Skin Cancer
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? You can perform your own skin self exam at home. If you detect a change to your skin or have a skin concern, contact your doctor and/or a dermatologist and request a Full Skin Exam.
Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts and Figures for 2024-2025 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 1 in 43 women will die of breast cancer. Let that sink in for a moment.
If you have a close family members with breast cancer it can be especially important to know if you are high risk for breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase risk of breast cancer for both men and women. You can ask your doctor to assess your risk for breast cancer.
Symptoms
Sometimes people don't have symptoms until their cancer has already advanced. Sometimes people have symptoms that help with early detection. If you find yourself noticing that you have signs and symptoms of cancer, consult with your doctor.
This information should not be construed as medical advise. You should consult with your doctor and decide the what is right for you.
Prevention
Remember that saying - An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Well unfortunately we can't prevent all cancers, but we can take steps towards prevention of some cancers. Protecting our skin from the sun, HPV vaccinations and quitting smoking are just a few.
Sun Screen and Sun Safety
Seek shade and shelter
Wear protective clothing (long sleeves and hats)
Wear a daily sunscreen on face and hands
Avoid tanning beds
Choose a sunscreen that works for you and your family and use it.
Vaccinations
Many people are aware that some variants of the Human Papillomavirus HPV cause cervical cancer, but did you know that HPV can cause mouth and throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis and anus cancer? AND did you know that there is a vaccination for HPV?
The HPV vaccination is recommended for boys and girls ages 9-12 and may be right for some adults too.
Quit Smoking, Chewing and Vaping
You are probably familiar with smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer and other lung diseases, but it also increases your risk of other cancers. Nicotine is addictive and withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to quit. The American Cancer Society has a guide for quitting tobacco. If you are interested in quitting tobacco, plan your quit day, and contact me if you would like me to coach you through it.
This information should not be construed as medical advise. You should consult with your doctor and decide the what is right for you.
My Cancer Story
When I was in my late 30's I began noticing some skin changes and I was concerned about a mole on my arm. At my next doctor visit I was referred to a dermatologist. The dermatologist provided a full skin exam, meaning she looked at all the skin on my body from the top of my head to my toes. She analyzed the mole and measured it and sent me on my way. I continued to notice the mole, but I was busy working and having babies and time got away from me. Over time other people began to notice the mole so I went back to the dermatologist where it was found to have doubled in size in 5 years and biopsy diagnosed with Melanoma skin cancer. Fortunately for me it was at an early stage and I was able to have a surgical procedure to remove the cancer. Now I have routine full skin exams and I don't wait to biopsy skin concerns.
Do you have a cancer story? Send me a message, I would love to hear your story.
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