Three important cancer screenings you need to know about

Preventive care like physical exams, screenings, tests, and vaccines are an important part of staying healthy. Regular cancer screenings are an especially important part of your preventive care because they can catch potential problems early when treatment is likely to work best.

Some cancer screenings are only recommended if you have certain health conditions or family medical history putting you at a higher risk. But three of the most recommended types regardless of risk are for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.

Wondering if it might be time for you to have one or more of these screenings? Take a look at information on each of the three to see if you’re someone they’re recommended for.

And don’t forget! The next time you have a doctor visit, be sure to ask what screenings they recommend. Your primary doctor knows your medical history best and is your top resource to keep you healthy!

Did you know breast cancers found early have a 95 percent cure rate?

Breast cancer screenings

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray image of the breast to show changes in breast tissue and detect breast cancer. It’s been used for about 30 years, with technological advances in the past 15 improving both technique and results.

Your breast will be compressed during the screening, so you might feel some discomfort. The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes, but the actual breast compression only lasts about 10 to 15 seconds for each image. If you feel more than discomfort, tell your technologist so they can try to adjust the compression.

When is it time for a mammogram?

At age 40, a woman should talk to her health care provider about getting a mammogram.

Mammograms: Fact or fiction?

FICTION: I don’t need a mammogram since I don’t have any symptoms.

FACT: Mammograms detect small lumps long before symptoms may be noticed.

FICTION: Mammograms are dangerous.

FACT: Mammograms, like dental X-rays and other routine X-rays, use very small doses of radiation. For most women, the benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the potential risks.

FICTION: I perform a monthly self-breast exam, so I don’t need a mammogram.

FACT: A mammogram can detect lumps much smaller than what can be felt. A self-breast exam is NOT a substitute for a mammogram.

FICTION: I don’t need a mammogram since there is no history of breast cancer in my family.

FACT: Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of it.

FICTION:  It’s too late when a mammogram finds something.

FACT: Breast cancers found early have a 95 percent cure rate.

FICTION: I had a mammogram five years ago and it was normal, so I don’t need another one.

FACT: If you are 40 to 74 years of age, you should have a mammogram every one to two years as recommended by your doctor. If you are under 40 or over 75, you should have a mammogram as recommended by your doctor.

For more information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org/breastcancer.  

Did you know cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44?

Cervical cancer screenings

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test looks for precancerous cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately. This test is often done during a pelvic exam, which is the physical exam of the pelvis, vagina, and pelvic floor.

Your provider will insert a thin, cotton-tipped swab into the vagina and gently collect cells from your cervix. The cell sample is sent to a lab to be examined for any abnormalities.

When is it time for a Pap test?

At age 21, a woman should speak to her provider about getting a Pap test.

Pap test: Fact or fiction?

FICTION: I’m worried a Pap test will be painful.

FACT: You should not feel any pain during a Pap test. A gentle scraping of the surface of your cervix should provide your health care provider with an adequate number of cells to test.

FICTION: I need a Pap test every year.

FACT: For most women, a Pap test is not needed every year. It can be done every three years, if results are normal. Starting at age 30, you have the option to get an HPV test every five years, or a Pap test and an HPV test every five years (co-testing) instead of the Pap test every three years.

FICTION: I had a hysterectomy, so I can’t get cervical cancer.

FACT: A hysterectomy is only the removal of the uterus, so you can still get cervical cancer. You can’t get cervical cancer if you had a total hysterectomy, where both the uterus and cervix were removed.

For more information about cervical cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org/cervicalcancer. 

Did you know colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in both men and women?

Colorectal cancer screenings

What are the most common types of colorectal cancer screenings?

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). This test checks for blood in your stool and is performed in the privacy of your home. If blood is found, a colonoscopy may be recommended.
• Stool DNA Test (Cologuard). This test checks for DNA changes that could indicate cancer or polyps and for the presence of blood in the stool that can indicate cancer. If your test result is positive, a colonoscopy is often recommended.
• Colonoscopy. During the exam, your doctor checks your entire colon (large bowel). A colonoscopy can prevent cancer from developing because it allows your doctor to remove polyps. Most people only need to receive this test every 10 years if results are normal.

When is it time for a colorectal cancer screening?

At age 45, men and women should talk to their provider about colorectal cancer screenings.

Colorectal cancer: Fact or fiction?

FICTION: Colorectal cancer isn’t common in women.

FACT: Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women.

FICTION: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.

FACT: In many cases, colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp.

If the polyp is found early, it can be removed, stopping colorectal cancer before it starts.

Consider these steps to reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer:

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life.
• Be physically active.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and less red or processed meat.
• Don’t use tobacco in any form.

FICTION: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.

FACT: African American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other U.S. racial or ethnic group.

FICTION: Age doesn’t matter when it comes to getting colorectal cancer.

FACT: Most colorectal cancers are found in people 45 and older. People who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer, such as those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families, may need to begin testing at a younger age. People at average risk should begin screening at age 45.

FICTION: It’s better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it’s deadly anyway.

FACT: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it’s found and treated early, while it’s small and before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.

For more information about colon cancer, visit the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org/colon.

Or read our Fact or fiction: Colorectal cancer blog to learn more.

Remember, the best person to advise you on cancer screenings is your doctor. Be sure to take time to ask questions and find out which screenings may be right for you.

Are you a CDPHP® member?

Great news! Most plans cover breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings at no additional cost. Check your plan details for more information.

Need a doctor? Try Find-A-Doc.

Sources: https://www.cancer.org/ and https://www.cancer.gov/ 

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