Cancer Prevention & Screening

What is the purpose of receiving cancer screening?

Screening for various cancers, such as colorectal, breast, and prostate, offers the chance to regularly have your body checked and increase the likelihood of receiving an early cancer diagnosis.

What if I am not having symptoms?

By receiving cancer screenings while not experiencing any symptoms, you can have a greater chance of finding cancer at an early stage. According to the NIH, it is common that when symptoms do appear, the cancer may have grown and may have spread leading to difficulties in treatment.

What are some types of cancer that can be screened for?

There are various types of cancer that can be screened by its respective test. These can include:

  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cervical Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Ovarian Cancer
  • Testicular Cancer
  • Thyroid Cancer

When should I start or how often should I receive cancer screenings?

To find the best timeline for your own health care needs, it is recommended to speak with your primary care provider. By speaking with your doctor, you can discuss any potential risk factors for specific types of cancer (i.e., family history, lifestyle choices), what age is the best to begin the screening, and how often the screening should be conducted.

What can I do in addition to receiving cancer screenings?

In addition to screenings, being aware of available vaccinations (i.e., HPV) and incorporating healthy choices in your daily lifestyle can have a direct impact in lowering your risk of cancer. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/prevention/