What is cancer screening and why should you screen for cancer?
A cancer screening means checking your body for any abnormalities, such as lumps, abnormal tissue, etc., and helps doctors to find and treat several types of cancer early, before they develop into something more serious.
Cancer screenings are not only important for early — and hopefully treatable — detection, but they are also crucial in reducing the number of people who may develop the disease. Simply put, screenings are critical to the successful treatment of cancer.
Not all cancer types have recommended screening tests, however expert cancer researchers at the OSUCCC – James are continually working to develop additional tests to detect and diagnose cancer even earlier, leading to improved outcomes, faster responses and fewer side effects.
Certain types of cancers have increased risk when undetected, so it's important that you are aware of your risks and why — and when — you should get a screening scheduled.
Why get a screening:
- Experiencing symptoms that cause alarm or concern
- History of cancer in your immediate family
- Have high risk lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking, heavy drinking, work environment, etc.)
- You live in an area with an abnormal cancer rate in the population
- History of being overweight
- Early detection is often the key to beating cancer
Types of cancer screening:
Cancer screenings are meant to find cancer symptoms early, and there are several types of tests that may be conducted:
- Imaging (radiology)
- Blood and urine testing
- Colonoscopy
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans, view video
- Mammograms
- MRI, view video
- Nuclear medicine scans
- Pap test
- Radiation
- Skin tests
- Ultrasound, view video
- X-ray, view video
Cancer Screening Best Practices by Age
Men |
Women |
|---|---|
|
Ages: 21-29: Colon / Testicular Screening Men at average risk for testicular cancer should talk with their doctor about monthly testicular self-exam. |
Ages 20-39: Mammogram / Cervical Screening Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test done every three years. HPV testing should not be used in this age group unless needed after an abnormal Pap test result. Beginning at age 30, women should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (called "co-testing") done every five years. This is the preferred approach, but it is OK to have a Pap test alone every three years. For women at high risk of Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer annual screening with endometrial biopsy may be offered beginning at age 35. |
|
Ages 40-49: Prostate / Colon Screening If two or more of your relatives had prostate cancer before age 65, you should talk to your doctor about testing when you reach age 40. If you are African American or have a brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, you should talk to your doctor about testing when you reach age 45. Men ages 45 and above, average risk, should start colon cancer screening every 5-10 years depending on the type of screening test. |
Ages 40-49: Mammogram / Cervical Screening Cervical cancer screenings (Pap test plus an HPV test) should be done every five years. It is also OK to have a Pap test alone every three years. Women ages 45 and above, average risk, should start colon cancer screening every 5-10 years depending on the type of screening test. |
|
Ages 50 and older: Colon / Prostate / Lung Screening Starting at age 50, all men at average risk should talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screening. Colon cancer screening every 5-10 years depending on the type of screening test. Ages 55-77, lung cancer screening for current and former smokers who meet certain screening criteria. |
Ages 50-64: Mammogram / Cervical / Colon / Lung Screening Women ages 50+ should continue monthly breast self-exams, annual clinical breast exam by a doctor and an annual screening mammogram. Cervical cancer screenings (Pap test plus an HPV test) should be done every five years. It is also OK to have a Pap test alone every three years. Colon cancer screening every 5-10 years depending on the type of screening test. Ages 55-77, lung cancer screening for current and former smokers who meet certain screening criteria. |
|
Ages 65 and older: Cervical Screening Women over age 65 who have had regular Pap test with normal results do not need to be tested for cervical cancer. Women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 20 years after the diagnosis, even if testing needs to continue after age 65. |
Predictive Cancer Screening Is Here
Your journey toward education on your cancer risk(s) begins here. At The James, we can help you to understand the likelihood of developing cancer based on your genetics; i.e. your family history or your inherited characteristics.
Our cancer researchers can work with your family history to identify your risk of developing cancer or passing cancer through your genes to other members of your family. In fact, the genetic counseling program at The James provides leading-edge cancer risk assessment in a caring, supportive environment of world-class medical expertise, education and translational research. Our genetic counselors are an important part of our multidisciplinary team and work with each patient to develop a cancer risk assessment based on his or her unique family history and genetic background.
Learn About Genetic Counseling Risk Assessments
You've Been Diagnosed With Cancer – Now What?
You've received a positive result for cancer after a screening. We know all of the feelings that come with this diagnosis: fear, anxiety, worry and much more. Here at The James, we have many resources, tools and programs in place to help support you through your next steps and your overall journey.
What happens after diagnosis:
You'll meet with a uniquely-qualified care team, along with your oncologist, to discuss the cancer in-depth and the recommended treatment plan. We strongly recommend consulting a second opinion. 80 percent of patients who come to The James for a second opinion receive an updated or changed diagnosis.
What happens after your second opinion has been confirmed:
Your care team and oncologist will now activate your treatment plan. At this phase, you will be given a detailed, informational step-by-step plan which will educate you on your care, every step of the way.