Cancer prevention and detection
[ go to main Cancer Care page ]
Who is at risk for Cancer?
Everyone is at risk for Cancer.
General guidelines have been established for everyone that can potentially decrease the risk for developing cancer. Everyone's health plan should include routine visits to their physician for regular checkups and follow-ups. Some people have higher risk because of genetics, behaviors or lifestyles. Remember to focus on developing a healthy lifestyle.
Cancer Prevention includes the following:
- Don't smoke or quit if you do smoke
- Protect yourself from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
- Exercise regularly.
- Control your weight.
- Eating healthy and cooking smart is important.
- Practice good nutrition, including a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Be aware of environmental and occupational hazards.
Cancer Detection
A routine physical with your physician is recommended. It is important to discuss with your physician a plan of care that includes regular screenings.
The American Cancer Society has established these guidelines:
Breast Cancer:
- Women should have a yearly mammogram starting at age 40.
- Self-breast exam (SBE) should be done monthly starting at age 20.
- A clinical breast exam by a physician should be done every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and once a year starting at age 40.
- Women with a family history or increased risk for breast cancer should discuss this with their doctor and develop a follow-up routine for continued care.
Colon and Rectal Cancer:
- Men and women at age 50 are at average risk for developing colorectal cancer.
- You should have a yearly fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test. These are tests are performed by the patient in their home and can be purchased at their pharmacy. Reid Hospital offers a take-home testing kit that is available by contacting Community Education, 983-3094.
- Beginning at age 50:
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy should be performed every five years
- A colonoscopy should be performed every ten years .
- Double contrast barium enema is recommended every five years.
- Those with a personal or strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps should be followed more closely.
- Those with a history of chronic inflammatory bowel syndrome should be monitored more closely.
Cervical Cancer:
- Screening should begin three years after their first vaginal intercourse but no later than 21 years of age.
- A 30-year -old woman who has had three normal Pap test results may be screened every 2-3 years.
- Women with certain risk factors, abnormalities or concerns should be screened yearly.
- Screening should be performed every year with the regular Pap test.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer:
- Anyone with abnormal bleeding or spotting should notify their physician and discuss the plan of care.
- All women need to be informed of the risk for uterine cancer and have discussions with their physician regarding their plan of care.
Prostate Cancer
- At age 40, every man should have an initial digital rectal exam (DRE) along with the PSA blood test.
- A digital rectal exam should always be done along with a PSA to detect any abnormalities or elevations.
- Men at a higher risk for prostate cancer should start DRE and PSA at age 40.
- These tests should occur yearly at age 50.
