Importance of Cancer Screenings
Posted on October 24, 2018
Below is information about a couple of the most common types of cancers, and how they are detected. At your next doctor’s visit, be sure to ask what screenings are appropriate for you.
Breast Cancer Screenings
Breast cancer is the second most commonly occurring form of cancer in women after skin cancer. It can occur in men as well, but is not very common. Each year in the United States, about 237,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men.
Mammograms can help find breast cancer early. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal. A mammogram allows the physician to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their physician about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.
If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, talk with your primary care provider or specialist about your screening options. Learn more about breast cancer at www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer.
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened. Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
- Get screened starting at age 50.
Encourage your family members and friends over age 50 to get screened. - Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Get plenty of physical activity and eat healthy.
- Learn more about colorectal cancer at www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal.
Source: www.cdc.gov
For information about preventive care coverage, see your Health New England Explanation of Coverage booklet. Learn more about Medicare preventive care coverage for mammograms and colorectal cancer screenings at www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services.
“A very important component of preventive care is cancer screening. Regular, age-appropriate screenings can help your physician find cancer early,” says Dr. Rebecca Starr, Geriatrician and Medical Director for Health New England.
“When cancer is detected early, it may be more easily treated. Please talk to your primary care provider about what screenings are right for you.”
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