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This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
Crossing Out Cancer
On the radio, over dinner, on the phone with your sister-in-law— someone's always suggesting another way to help prevent cancer. Instead of listening to quasi-professional advice, take care of yourself by scheduling a cancer screening.
MORE AMERICANS DEVELOP skin cancer annually than every other type of cancer combined, according to the National Cancer Institute. If neglected, skin cancers can lead to disfiguration and even cause death, though getting screened is easy. "A patient should perform regular self-checks, looking for any changes in moles, freckles or blemishes, as well as any troubling marks," says Chris Brandy, MD, breast surgeon at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. "Bring any new or changing skin lesions to the attention of your primary care provider. Additionally, most dermatology providers do not require a referral to see someone with a suspicious lesion."
Colorectal cancer is another prevalent disease, appearing
most often in people older than 50. A colonoscopy can help prevent many colorectal cancers, since this procedure allows physicians to note any precancerous growths in the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy entails an examination of the colon's lining for abnormal growths and is the most thorough test
available for colorectal cancer. Both men and women of average risk should schedule colonoscopies beginning at age 50.
Next Stop: Screenings
Screenings are vital to catching breast cancer before it spreads. Each year, women ages 40 and older should schedule a mammogram in addition to self-examinations and a yearly clinical breast exam.
"Experienced and engaged physicians are essential for women getting breast cancer screenings," says Ali Gharagozloo, MD, chief of radiology at Claxton-Hepburn, who has been providing mammograms for 16 years. "Women who perform self-exams and have yearly mammograms and clinical breast exams have a more-than 95 percent likelihood of catching cancer before it spreads." For more information on cancer screenings, visit www.claxtonhepburn.org/cancer.
