When it comes to fighting cancer, early detection is key. Survival rates for all types of cancer are significantly improved when the cancer is detected early, before a tumor grows and spreads. Putting off screening can result in cancer being detected at higher stages — after it’s already spread.
Disruptions to routine screening
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been delaying their usual, routine cancer screenings. Experts fear this delay may cause some cancers to go undetected and untreated until they’ve reached late stages.
For example, the CDC reported a greater than 80% drop in the number of patients who were screened for breast cancer and ovarian cancer in April 2020, compared with the previous five- year averages for that month.
Other studies have noted a drastic reduction in the number of patients seeking routine colonoscopies, lung cancer screens and other cancer diagnostic tests during the pandemic.
Recommended cancer screenings
The Riverside Cancer Care Network has developed screening guidelines based on nationally recognized accrediting bodies for people at average risk. Screening help find cancer early, before you have any signs or symptoms, when it may be easier to treat.
Personal risk factors, such as family history, genetic conditions and environmental exposures, may place you at a higher risk or getting cancer. Schedule an appointment and talk with your health care provider about what preventive cancer screenings are right for you and the recommended age to begin screening. You may be recommended to begin screening at an earlier age that those at average risk.
Breast Cancer
- Breast self-awareness is important at all ages. Know how your breasts normally look and feel and notify your health care provider if you notice any changes. Changes to look for include: a lump in the breast or arm, skin changes such as a dimple, redness or thickening, change in breast shape or size, nipple discharge, scaling or redness of the nipple and/or areola, nipple retraction or inversion, and new breast pain. If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk with your provider about the age to begin screening.
- Women ages 25 to 39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by your health care provider every three years.
- Women ages 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year (consider tomosynthesis, otherwise known as a 3D mammogram) and have a clinical breast exam performed by your health care provider every year, preferably before your mammogram.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
- Beginning at age 45, no matter which screening method you choose.
- Colonoscopy - every 10 years. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening because it is the only test that allows your doctor to examine the entire length of your colon to look for cancer or polyps. If a polyp is found, your doctor can remove it before it has a chance to become cancerous. Stool-based DNA Test - every three years.
- At-home Stool DNA tests like Cologuard look for cells in the stool that contain abnormal sections of DNA. If your results come back abnormal, you will need to have a colonoscopy.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) – every year. At-home FIT looks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of polyps or colorectal cancer. If your results come back abnormal, you will need to have a colonoscopy.
- If you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, talk with your provider about the age to begin screening. If you have a first degree relative (father, mother, sister or brother) that was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you should be screened 10 years before the age they were diagnosed. For example, if you mother was diagnosed at age 42 you should be screened beginning age 32.
Cervical Cancer
- Pap smear beginning age 21 and repeat every three years.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening is not recommended for those ages 21-29.
- Beginning age 30, Pap smear with HPV co-testing every five years or pap smears without HOV co-testing every three years.
- Ages 65 and older should talk with your health care provider about the recommended screening interval if you have a history of abnormal Pap smear or other abnormal cervical conditions.
Lung Cancer
Current or former smokers ages 50 to 80 should be screened with annual low dose CT screening (LDCT) to detect lung cancer sooner when it is more treatable. You should have a LDCT if:
- You have smoked an average of one pack a day for 20 years AND
- You currently smoke or quit less than 15 years ago
- You currently smoke and have other risk factors for lung cancer.
Prostate Cancer
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends men talk with their provider to discuss the risks and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. The timing of when to have the conversation around if screening is right for you depends on each patient’s personal risk factors:
- Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer
- Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, son or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer age 65.
- Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative (father, son, brother) who had prostate cancer before age 65.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer. Types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and other skin cancers. When identified early, almost all skin cancers can be cured with treatment.
Beginning at age 18, self-screen monthly and know how your skin normally looks and feels.
Notify your health care provider if you notice any changes, such as:
- Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half
- Borders: Irregular or poorly defined border
- Color: Varied from one area to another (shades of tan or brown, black, red, white, or blue)
- Diameter: Diameter greater than 6mm
- Evolution: Changing in size, color or shape
If you notice any of these signs or have an area of skin that is constantly itching, breaking open, or has trouble healing, it is time to have it evaluated by your health care provider.
Screening is key to early detection
The American Cancer Society estimates that cancer screenings – and early cancer detection – have helped save hundreds of thousands of lives. But early detection is only possible when patients actually take advantage of available screening.
It’s essential that patients not put off scheduling their recommended cancer screening appointments. Early detection is our best weapon in fighting cancer successfully.
If you are uninsured, unable to qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and unable to afford your preventative cancer screenings, please contact our Cancer Outreach Office for assistance at 1-800-520-7006.
