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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Americans: what you need to know about cancer prevention

'29.09.2022'

Nadezhda Verbitskaya

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Many people have put off their usual medical care due to the disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, has been reduced. At the same time, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, second only to heart disease. CNN.

Why is cancer screening so important, and who should be screened for certain types of cancer? How can people find out when their last check was and what they should turn in now? What if someone is late with a cancer screening? And what should people do if they remain concerned about the risk of contracting the coronavirus?

To help answer these questions, we spoke with medical analyst Dr. Liana Wen. She is an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University.

Why is it important to get screened for cancer?

Regular screening for cancer is key to early detection of the disease. This allows it to be detected before symptoms appear. In general, early detection of cancer leads to better outcomes. For example, a small, localized tumor can be removed before it spreads to other parts of the body. Screening can also identify abnormal cells that can become cancerous. And timely treatment can prevent the development and spread of this cancer.

Who should be screened for certain types of cancer and when?

The three main types of cancer screening supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammograms every two years for women aged 50 to 74 who are at average risk of developing breast cancer.

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Mammography is a type of x-ray available at most hospitals and outpatient radiology centers. Individuals at high risk, as well as people under 50 years of age, should consult with their doctor to determine the frequency of examinations. Some other medical organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend more frequent annual screening mammograms.

Cervical cancer screening is done with a Pap test, in which a doctor performs a gynecological examination to collect some cells and mucus from the patient's cervix. The USPSTF recommends that women and others who have a cervix have a Pap test every three years from age 21 to age 65. Some patients may have more frequent screenings, depending on their risk factors.

The USPSTF also recommends that all adults aged 45 to 75 get screened for colorectal cancer. Several screening tools are involved. One of these is a stool test that looks for certain markers in your stool. Another method is colonoscopy, which involves a procedure that uses a long, flexible scope to look at the rectum and colon. Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years. Which tests and how often will be done depends on the person's medical history and family history.

What about lung cancer, which is another leading cause of death?

Lung cancer screening is also supported by the CDC, especially for individuals aged 50 to 80 who have a history of heavy smoking, current smokers, or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years. The USPSTF recommends annual screening.

Are there other types of cancer that people should be screened for, such as ovarian or pancreatic cancer?

There are many cancers, including ovarian, pancreatic, thyroid, and skin cancers, for which there is insufficient evidence to justify regular screening tests in individuals with moderate risk factors. If you have a certain type of cancer in your family, you should ask your doctor about the benefits of screening. Of course, if you develop symptoms (for example, you find a growth on your neck or your skin color changes), you should definitely consult your doctor.

Many people may not remember when they had their last screening test, especially if they moved or changed their healthcare provider. How can you find out if their due date has come?

If you've been seeing the same doctor regularly, you can call your PCP's office for the dates of your most recent screening tests. If you have changed doctors but they are in the same hospital network, your healthcare system should have these records. And you can access them if your provider offers an electronic patient portal.

Another possibility is to contact your insurance company if you have had the same insurance company for the past few years. They should also have records of your most recent preventive tests. And you can always contact previous suppliers. In general, it's a good idea to have copies of your old medical records so they can be compared with new test results.

If a person has missed several screening tests, what can be recommended for such people?

Yes, many patients missed screening tests for a variety of reasons. Perhaps fear of COVID-19 led to delays, or they moved or changed jobs. Maybe they have children or grandchildren. Or other new responsibilities, and life became busy. Find out which tests you'll be taking and start planning now.

This also applies to other preventive services. Make sure you get regular check-ups for blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other chronic conditions.

There are those who remain very concerned about the risk of contracting COVID-19 during screening. What do you advise them?

Medical institutions are generally very careful and take many steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19. People who are concerned about the possibility of contracting this coronavirus should ask the facility where they should get tested, as well as what mitigation measures are in place. For example, are all staff wearing masks when visiting patients? Remember that one-sided masking with a high quality mask works very well. For mammograms and Pap tests, as well as doctor visits, you may wear N95 or equivalent throughout the examination. With a colonoscopy, this is not possible during the entire procedure. But almost certainly the colonoscopy will be performed in a room where other people are wearing masks at all times.

Finally, it is important to put the risk of COVID-19 in context. The absence of coronavirus is not the only sign of good health. And we must consider good health, both physical and mental, in a holistic way. And this includes adherence to preventive measures such as cancer screening.

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