Every year on February 4th, the world comes together to observe World Cancer Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It is also a time to emphasize the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.
In honoring World Cancer Day we want to bring awareness to the most crucial cancer screenings at different ages and share valuable tips for preventing cancer. We also want to start making it a norm to talk about these things, meaning we should be able to comfortably ask someone, “When was your last colonoscopy?”
World Cancer Day Awareness - Cancer Screenings at Different Ages
Skin Checks
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and is highly treatable/curable when caught early. There are several types of skin cancer, with the three most common being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Knowing your body is critical for early detection. Meaning, you should be regularly checking your entire body for any spots, moles, etc. that are new or changing. Parents you should also be checking your children as well as aging parents for any areas that may be of concern.
- Age to Start: All ages should be checking their skin regularly.
- Frequency: Monthly, however, you can certainly check your body more regularly as it’s easy to quickly look over the entire body when you go to shower.
- Importance: Melanoma is a less common type of skin cancer, but it can be fatal.
Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smears and HPV tests)
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix cells — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer." In general, most cases of cervical cancer have no symptoms and the best way for early detection is by coming in for your regular pap smear and HPV tests.
- Age to Start: Generally recommended to start at age 21.
- Frequency: Typically every 3-5 years, but may change based on individual risk factors.
- Importance: Pap smears can detect abnormal cervical cells early, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening (Mammograms and physical exam of the breasts)
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in the United States. Women roughly have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their life. However, when caught early breast cancer is highly treatable. Meaning, your regular breast exams and mammograms are critical in the early detection of the disease.
All of us should regularly feel our breasts like when washing in the shower to know our bodies. This can greatly help detect when something out of the norm develops, like a lump or bump. You can then schedule an appointment to see your doctor to determine the next steps.
- Age to Start Mammograms: Recommendations vary, but most suggest starting at age 40.
- Frequency: Generally every 1-2 years.
- Importance: Mammograms can identify breast cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women and the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. When caught early this type of cancer is very treatable, and again, like other cancers listed above, this makes your regular screenings critical for the best of odds for early detection.
- Age to Start: Usually at age 45, but may be earlier if there are risk factors or family history.
- Methods: Options include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, and stool DNA tests. Colonoscopy is best.
- Importance: Early detection of colorectal cancer can lead to successful treatment and improved outcomes.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men (second to skin cancer) and is highly treatable when caught early. Most cases of prostate cancer will have no symptoms. Which again, makes your regular screenings critical for early detection of the disease.
- Age to Start: Typically discussed with a healthcare provider starting at age 50 for average-risk individuals. May start earlier for those at higher risk.
- Methods: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Importance: Screening can help detect prostate cancer early, although there is ongoing debate about the benefits and risks.
Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs, most commonly in the cells lining the air passages. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lung cancer screenings are normally only recommended for those at higher risk of developing lung cancer which include some smokers with a significant history of smoking.
Age to Start: For those at high risk (usually long-term smokers), screening with low-dose CT scans may begin at age 50.
How often: A low-dose chest CT scan is recommended annually.
Importance: Early detection can improve lung cancer outcomes, especially in high-risk individuals.
Tips for Preventing Cancer
When it comes to reducing your risk of developing cancer, it is really as simple as living a healthy lifestyle. Much of what we recommend to decrease your risk of cancer applies to living a healthier life and preventing numerous other illnesses as well. Here are some of the best tips we can all follow to live a healthier life and overall decrease our risk of disease:
- Stop using tobacco products and avoid any contact with them. Smoke (including vaping) and smokeless tobacco products have zero health benefits. There is nothing good that will come from using these except a hit to your wallet. Save the money and save your health by quitting today.
- Focus on your diet and make healthier choices. Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, red meat, and sugary beverages.
- Get active and make daily movement a priority. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Not only can you incorporate more exercise into your daily life, but make sure you are simply moving more. This means parking further away, opting to walk instead of driving, using the stairs, etc. Small changes can lead to big changes!
- Limit or avoid alcohol entirely. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancer.
- Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers.
- Get vaccinated against infections that can lead to cancer, such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and hepatitis B.
- Get in for your regular checkups and screenings. Adhere to recommended cancer screenings based on your age, gender, and risk factors. Early detection can save lives. Remember to always be open and honest with your doctor. Disclose any symptoms or family history; this can help your doctor better understand when screenings should be performed based on risk factors.
- Maintain a healthy body weight, get enough sleep, manage stress, and avoid exposure to environmental carcinogens.
Let’s Work Toward a Cancer-Free World
World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that cancer affects millions of lives worldwide, but through prevention, early detection, and advances in treatment, we can make significant progress in the fight against this disease. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying proactive about cancer screenings, we can work toward a future with fewer cancer diagnoses and more survivors.
Have you scheduled your regular visit and screenings? Now is the time! Schedule your annual visit today.