4 / 8
CANCER SCRE EN I NG T ESTS
can often save lives by
finding cancer early, providing a vital heads-up before you
might notice a lump or other worrisome symptoms.
But it’s not always easy to know which screenings you
need or when to get them—particularly since screening
guidelines change. “Cancer screenings don’t have one-size-
fits-all guidelines,” says Stephanie Roberts, PA-C. “They
typically have different recommendations based on things
like age or even personal preferences.”
One person who can help you sort through the maze of
cancer guidelines is your primary care provider.
“They can answer your questions, explain the various
tests, and help determine a screening approach—for cancer
and other diseases—that is right for you,” Stephanie says.
A closer look
Some screening guidelines that have shifted in recent years
include those for breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
Breast cancer.
Our breast team supports mammograms
starting at age 40 for women at average risk. This is in line
with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.
Prostate cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
advises men to talk to their doctor about whether to be
tested for prostate cancer beginning at age 50.
Men with a family history of the disease (a father or
brother who had prostate cancer before age 65) and African
American men should have that conversation at age 45.
According to the ACS, the potential risks and benefits of
testing and treatment are complicated, and men need to
understand both before making a decision about screening.
Colon cancer.
Testing options (starting at age 50)
include colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Both are invasive
and require prep work most people dislike. But they can find
cancer—or the polyps (abnormal growths) that may become
cancer—early, when treatment is often most successful.
Noninvasive stool tests are another option, but they can’t
detect polyps. And a positive result will probably require
more tests, including a colonoscopy.
Don’t go it alone
Your primary care provider knows your personal risk factors
for cancer, such as your medical and family history, and
those can influence when and how often you’re screened.
“With your provider’s help, you can make an informed
decision about testing that’s right for you,” Stephanie says.
Prevention
Don’t have a primary care provider?
Our Personal Concierge Services team
can help. Call
360-414-7512
, or email
phmg/longview@peacehealth.org
.
Stephanie Roberts, PA-C
Lower Columbia Regional
Cancer Center
1615 Delaware St.
Longview, WA
360-414-7878
Spot check
Take steps to find and
prevent skin cancer
It’s easy to forget about the
risks of skin cancer when you’ve
been bundled up all winter.
But just because your skin
hasn’t seen the sun in months
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be
vigilant about the disease.
Your first step: Check your
body for changes that could be
skin cancer—the disease is highly
treatable when caught early.
Do a head-to-toe search, and
use a mirror to see areas like
your back. Tell your doctor if
anything looks unusual, such as
a mole or spot that:
■
■
Has uneven borders
■
■
Is more than one color
■
■
Is larger in diameter than a
pencil eraser
■
■
Looks different from your other
moles or has changed over time
Next: Protect your skin from the
sun’s harmful rays:
■
■
Wear a broad-spectrum,
water-resistant sunscreen
with an SPF of at least 30—
even on cloudy days.
■
■
Stay in the shade often,
especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
■
■
Dress for protection: Wear
long pants, a long-sleeved shirt,
sunglasses, and a hat.
■
■
Avoid tanning—including
indoor tanning. Use a sunless
tanning product if you want a
bronzed look.
Should you be
screened for
cancer?
Your primary care provider can help you decide
4