Tag: cancer screening

Posted on

Early Detection, and Prevention Makes A Difference

Every day, dare I add, every second of every day, someone somewhere will hear the words – you have cancer. Therefore, bringing awareness is important. Early detection may save your life and although there are campaigns to bring awareness, along with months to highlight a specific cancer – the fact remains cancer can happen at any time and it changes our lives forever.

Let’s take a gander:

  • January: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test
  • February: National Cancer Prevention Month; Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Colorectal cancer screening (every 10 years starting at age 45), breast cancer screening (mammogram every 2 years starting at age 50), and cervical cancer screening (Pap test and HPV test every 3 years starting at age 21)
  • March: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; Kidney Cancer Awareness Month; Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Colorectal cancer screening (every 10 years starting at age 45), kidney cancer screening (blood test every year starting at age 45), and multiple myeloma screening (blood test every year starting at age 55)
  • April: Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month; Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month; Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Esophageal cancer screening (barium swallow every 5 years starting at age 50), head and neck cancer screening (oral cancer screening every 3 years starting at age 45), and testicular cancer screening (self-exam every month starting at age 15)
  • May: Melanoma Awareness Month; Brain Tumor Awareness Month; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk
    • Recommended screenings: Melanoma screening (skin self-exam every month and full-body skin exam by a doctor every year starting at age 20), brain tumor screening (MRI scan every year starting at age 50), and leukemia and lymphoma screening (blood test every year starting at age 45)
  • June: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; National Cancer Survivors Day
    • Recommended screenings: Prostate cancer screening (PSA test every year starting at age 50)
  • July: Sarcoma Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Sarcoma screening (there is no routine screening for sarcoma)
  • August: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Childhood cancer screening (there is no routine screening for childhood cancer)
  • September: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Ovarian cancer screening (blood test every year starting at age 50)
  • October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Domestic Violence Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Breast cancer screening (mammogram every 2 years starting at age 50)
  • November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month; Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
    • Recommended screenings: Lung cancer screening (low-dose CT scan every year starting at age 55)
  • December: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk
    • Recommended screenings: Leukemia and lymphoma screening (blood test every year starting at age 45)

It is important to note that these are just recommended screenings. The best way to determine which screenings are right for you is to talk to your doctor.

Posted on

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer. If the cancer is found in the rectum, it is called rectal cancer. However, cancer that is found in either of these areas are also called colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer occurs when there are tiny growths/polyps of abnormal cells that lines the wall of the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are both found in the large intestine. The symptoms may include bloody stool, abdominal pain, bleeding of the rectum or feeling tired due to anemia. Sadly in most cases, there are no symptoms.

Here’s the deal – colorectal cancer advances with age. In fact, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths within the United States. However, with screening and early detection – lives are saved. The recommended age for screening begins at 45 but if you have a family history with colorectal cancer you may want to discuss with your physician. Additionally, younger people are now being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, do not assume that you are too young, discuss all changes and symptoms with your doctor.

There are several forms of screening. You really need to engage in a discussion with your physician. Find out which test will work best for you. Many have heard of the ever intrusive and some call it the dreadful colonoscopy. Dare I say, it may be considered dreadful only because it is inserted in the anal cavity and there is a bit of pre-colonoscopy preparations that must be completed. However, it accomplishes a great deal in detecting any abnormalities within the colon/rectal area and you wont have to take the test for another 10 years.

Another option would be the flexible sigmoidoscopy which a thin flexible tube known as a sigmoidoscope that is inserted into the rectum. The sigmoidoscope has a small video camera at the tip of the tube and it records the sights of the colon up to 2 feet of the large intestine. A plus for this procedure would be the ability to take tissue samples for further tests through this method and it is recommended for screening every 5 years. On the other hand, the sigmoidoscopy cannot pick up areas further along in the colon.

The fecal occult blood test is non invasive and is given annually. There is no intrusive procedures all you have to do is to smear your stool on to the cloth, pad or card which is chemically treated. The goal is to look at the results for a change in the color. If it turns blue that indicates that there is blood in the stool. Now blood in the stool can be an alarm for concern. However, it may not be cancer related therefore further tests may be ordered.

A CT scan X-rays the internal organs to make detailed pictures; a dye may be used to highlight the areas of concern. The good old reliable enema is also an option – the double contrast barium enema uses air to expand the colon which aids for better images along with the barium.

Colon cancer is one that may be prevented with a healthy well balanced diet which includes foods rich in high fiber, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Avoid processed meats, red meats, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Nothing is ever certain but the old saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure’ really fits well right here. March is the colorectal cancer awareness month perhaps it is time to march on over to your doctors office and discuss your options.