National Cancer Control Month®: Steps and Screenings to Help Prevent Cancer

Kathleen Toomey, M.D., Medical Director of the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center and Medical Oncologist

This year, 2014, an estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases will be diagnosed, resulting in approximately 585,720 cancer deaths. As this disease remains the second most common cause of death, causing almost 1 of every 4 deaths, prevention and early detection are indispensable. National Cancer Control Month® is an annual campaign that creates the opportunity for individuals to educate themselves on the importance of cancer prevention, detection and advances in fighting this disease.

In order to defend ourselves against cancer, it is vital that continual efforts are made to prevent it. Individuals can reduce risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, limiting sun exposure and alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and living tobacco-free. As a part of prevention and detection, regular screenings are the number one defense against cancer. Screenings prevent cancer progression through identifying and removing or treating premalignant conditions. These early detection screenings improve survival rates since treatments are proven more effective when cancer is caught at its earlier stage. I encourage you to become aware of the early detection screenings recommended by The American Cancer Society, by visiting your local hospital or speaking with your physician for guidance about the following early detection screenings that are available to you:

Breast Cancer Screenings – Breast examinations should become a regular screening for woman while in their 20s. At this time they can begin regular (monthly) breast self-examination (BSE). Throughout their 20s and 30s, clinical breast examinations (CBE) are also recommended at least every three years. A CBE is a physical exam done by a health care provider as part of your regular medical check-up. During a CBE your health care provider will carefully feel the breasts and underarm  for any changes or abnormalities (such as a lump) and conducts a visual check of the breasts  to look for any irregularities in the shape and size of the breasts, as well as changes to the skin. By the age of 40, it is strongly recommended that all women have their annual mammogram, as well as a clinical breast exam. 

Cervical Cancer Screenings – Beginning at the age of 21, women should have a Pap test every three years. Women ages 30-65 are recommended to have a Pap test as well as a HPV test every five years. Continuing the Pap test alone every three years is also acceptable. Women over the age of 65, with regular previous test results and who haven’t had any severe pre-cancers in the past 20 years no longer need Pap smears.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings – Colorectal cancer and polyps tests should begin at age 50 for both men and women. Test options to find polyps and cancer in the colon or rectum include, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), or a Double-contrast barium enema, every 5 years. Alternatively individuals can also get a colonoscopy every ten years.  A yearly fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or yearly fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are suggested options that primarily find cancer. If any of the test results are positive, a colonoscopy should be done.

Prostate Cancer Screenings – Screening for prostate cancer involves a digital rectal examination (DRE) to feel the prostate, as well as a blood test to check for PSA (prostate-specific antigens) once a year, starting at the age of 50. However, African American men and men who have a family history of prostate cancer are strongly recommended to take a proactive approach and begin testing at the age of 40, as they are at higher risk for the disease.

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer Screenings – As women enter menopause, they should become aware of the symptoms and risks associated with this type of cancer.  If unexpected spotting or bleeding is seen it should be reported to a physician immediately.

Lung Cancer Screenings – In exams to screen for lung cancer participants should be 55-74 years old, be in good health, have at least a 30 pack-year history of smoking (1 pack a day for a year equals one pack year) and either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.  Lung cancer screening is done with a spiral CT scan.

By taking control, leading a healthier lifestyle and requesting regular screenings from your physician, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing cancer. Upcoming cancer screenings at Somerset Medical Center include complimentary oral, head and neck cancer screenings on May 9, 2014 and skin cancer screenings on May 17, 2014. This month, as a step towards our nation beating cancer, I encourage you to visit your local hospital website or your personal physician to learn more about early detection screenings available to you.