In recent years, outcomes for cancer patients have dramatically improved thanks to innovative therapies such as immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies. Yet, one of the best things we can do to improve outcomes is cancer screening. This is because screening for cancer helps us to find cancer at its earliest stages when treatments are easier, often with fewer side effects and more effectiveness, thus improving the chance of cure and survival.
Many people think they don’t need screening because they don’t have a family history of cancer in general or of a particular cancer such as breast. This is false. Most cancers are not caused by a genetic predisposition. For instance, hereditary breast cancer only accounts for 5-10 percent of all breast cancer. As it turns out the biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman, as one in eight women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and age. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 40, and this risk continues to increase with age. In general, I recommend that average-risk women begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. Not all organizations agree on when to start and how often to get mammograms, so women should discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of mammograms with their doctors to decide what is best for them.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but this can largely be prevented through screening. Traditionally, we started screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. However, we are seeing more colorectal cancer in younger individuals, and the new guidelines are to start colorectal cancer screening for average-risk individuals at age 45. Several screening options are available, to include colonoscopy and stool-based tests. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each to decide which is best for you.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and unfortunately, for many years, there was no effective way to screen for lung cancer. In recent years, however, a test known as low-dose CT scan has helped to detect lung cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage in high-risk individuals. Lung cancer screenings are covered for individuals ages 55-77 who are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years and have a smoking history of at least 30 pack years (This is the number of years you smoked multiplied by the number of packs of cigarettes per day. For instance, two packs per day x 15 years = 30 pack years).
Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25. Prostate cancer screening is less straightforward, and you should discuss this with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
Dr. Pamela Tuli is a hematologist-oncologist practicing with The Medical Oncology Group – Memorial Physician Clinics. She can be contacted at (228)-575-1234.
