Twelve Valuable Screenings for Cancer
With today’s medical advances, you can detect cancer earlier and have a chance at being cancer-free. At Hillandale Primary Care & Laser Center, we encourage you to be proactive in maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Screening for cancer is an important step you can take. Read more about it here.
Screening for Cancer
The goal of effective cancer screening tests is to find cancer early before it causes any symptoms. If detected early, you have a better chance of having a successful outcome. Here are some tests that are recommended to screen for cancer:
1. Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool tests
To detect colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and stool tests are recommended for people who are at average risk for colorectal cancer between the ages of 50 through 75. The tests can locate polyps or abnormal colon growths that can be removed before they become cancer.
2. Virtual colonoscopy
A virtual colonoscopy allows the rectum and colon to be examined non-invasively from outside the body. There is no evidence that this test reduces deaths from colorectal cancer. But, it may reveal possible problems outside the colon that then need to be investigated further.
3. PSA test
PSA testing is for males to detect prostate cancer at an early stage.
4. Low-dose helical computed tomography
This test to screen for lung cancer and to reduce lung cancer deaths among heavy smokers between the ages of 55 to 74.
5. Mammography
A mammography screen for breast cancer and is recommended for women between the age of 40 to 74. It can reduce deaths from the disease, especially women over age 50.
6. Breast MRI
A breast MRI is recommended for women who carry a harmful mutation in the BRCA1 gene or the BRCA2 gene. Women with these gene mutations have a high risk of breast cancer, as well as increased risk for other cancers in general.
7. Transvaginal ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging test, which creates pictures of a woman’s uterus and ovaries.
8. Clinical breast exams and regular breast self-exams
routine examination of the breasts by health care providers or by women themselves have not been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer. These exams can help to find a lump or other unusual change in a woman’s breast.
9. Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing
For early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, it is recommended that you have a pap test and HPV testing both alone and in combination. These tests can help prevent disease before abnormal cells become cancer.
10. CA-125 test
Combining this blood test with a transvaginal ultrasound can help to detect ovarian cancer early, especially in women with an increased risk of the disease.
11. Skin exams
People who are at risk for skin cancer should examine their skin regularly or have a health care provider do so. Changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change to an existing mole, should be reported to a doctor promptly.
12. Alpha-fetoprotein blood test
This test can be used along with an ultrasound of the liver to detect liver cancer early in people at high risk of the disease.
Make an appointment if you or a family member wants to discuss any of these valuable tests, your possible symptoms, and your medical history.
Hillandale Primary Care & Laser Center is owned and operated by Dr. Saira Tariq Niaz, who is a board-certified family physician with offices in Lithonia and Lawrenceville, Georgia. Hillandale Primary Care provides patient-focused, compassionate healthcare of the highest quality to each patient and delivers acute and chronic healthcare to patients of all ages. We are passionate about preventive medicine and encourage each of our patients to take an active role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Call today at 770.322-9660 or request an appointment.
