What are cancer screenings?
Cancer screenings detect different forms of cancer in their early stages to prevent them from spreading and becoming life-threatening. The type of cancer screenings you should have depends on your age, gender, and risk factors. For example, if you’re a chain smoker, Dr. Leach may recommend lung cancer screening.
Which cancer screenings do I need?
Dr. Leach works with you to determine which cancer screenings (if any) you need during your appointment. A few general cancer screening guidelines supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include:
- Breast cancer screening (mammograms) for women starting at age 40 to 50, depending on risk factors
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) for women of all ages
- Colon cancer screening beginning at age 50 for men and women
- Lung cancer screening for smokers beginning at age 55
Dr. Leach lets you know how often to get screened for these and other cancers, as early detection is crucial to surviving the disease.
What can I expect during a cancer screening?
Cancer screening procedures vary by the type of cancer you’re being tested for. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts and the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Dr. Leach completes Pap tests, by scraping cells from the cervix, during pelvic exams to screen for cervical cancer.
Stool tests, colonoscopies, and computed tomography (CT) colonographies are examples of colon cancer screening tests. Colonoscopies use long flexible tubes to find and remove the colon and rectal polyps that may be cancerous.
If I have cancer, what happens next?
When caught early, cancer is often treatable. The type of treatment you’ll require depends on which cancer you have. Dr. Leach may recommend:
- Surgery
- Medication
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- A stem cell transplant
- Immunotherapy
- Combinations of these treatments
If a cancer screening detects cancer, Dr. Leach lets you know which next steps are necessary to eliminate it. She may refer you to a specialist if necessary. To be proactive and find out if you have an early (treatable) stage of cancer, call Dr. Leach’s office today or book an appointment online.
