Early Cancer Screens Are A Must For Adults

The older you get, unfortunately, the more prone you are to contracting more diseases including cancer. Only naturally, the American Cancer Society suggests adults undergo certain routine screenings to help prevent this.

Breast Cancer

It is recommended that women 40 years of age and older get an annual mammogram. Though women younger than 40 don’t have as high or risk, they still need to undergo clinical breast exams (CBE) about once every 3 years. The CBE is typically performed by a gynecologist. He or she will look at the patient’s breasts for abnormalities is size of shape. Then the gynecologist will feel under the breasts for any lumps. Because young women only get this screening by a professional once every three years, it is strongly recommended to perform at home exams.Women with a family history or genetic tendency for breast cancer should be screened more often. Schedule an appointment at a Las Vegas radiology location for an annual mammogram.

Colorectal Cancer and Polyps

At the age of 50, both men and women need to be tested on a regular basis. Once a year, they should undergo a fecal occult blood test or a fecal immunochemical test. In addition to the annual tests, people over the age of 50 should also undergo the following:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
• CT colonography every 5 years

These tests look for both early stages of cancer and polyps. Some tests are more invasive than others, so talk to your doctor about the best option for you.

Cervical Cancer

Beginning at the age of 21, women should be tested for cervical cancer. From the ages of 21 to 29, a woman should have a Pap smear test once every 3 years. Women have the option to undergo the HPV test, but it is only recommended if the Pap smear results came back abnormal.Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should get a Pap smear test with an HPV test once every 5 years. Once a woman reaches the age of 65 she no longer needs to undergo Pap smear tests. Also, women who have had a hysterectomy do not need to get this test.

Endometrial Cancer

After going through menopause, women are at a greater risk for developing endometrial cancer. At this time, they should be informed of the risks and symptoms of this cancer. Any unexpected bleeding or spotting after menopause needs to be reported to a doctor. Women have the option to undergo an annual endometrial biopsy, but it is only suggested for those with a family history of endometrial cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Once a man turns 50, he should talk with his doctor about prostate cancer to make an informed decision about whether or not to get tested. So far, nothing has been found in research that proves the benefits of testing outweigh the harms. If a man does choose to get tested, he can choose to have a rectal exam with the PSA blood test.Though these screenings don’t prevent cancer, they can significantly reduce the severity of it. Catching the cancer cells early on can increase chances of survival. Talk with the radiologists Las Vegas trusts about your options for diagnostic imaging. The experts at Steinberg Diagnostic can help you through the process. For more information about Las Vegas radiology locations, contact 702.732.6000.