There’s no doubt about it. The sooner the disease is caught, the better your chances of survival. Getting screened could help save your life. Cooper’s Robert Somer, M.D., offers advice. He is a medical oncologist at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper.
What is cancer screening, and why it is important?
Dr. Robert Somer: Screening is looking for cancer before any symptoms appear. Screening tests and examinations can help find cancer at an early stage when it is more likely that treatment will be successful.
Survival rates for common cancers have increased in recent years, primarily as a result of early detection and improved treatment. For example, more than 90 percent of men and women treated for early colorectal cancer - cancer that has not spread beyond the colon or rectum -survive at least five years.
Nearly 100 percent of men with local or regional prostate cancer survive at least five years. Local cancer means it is confined to the prostate; regional cancer has spread to nearby areas, but not to distant sites such as the bone. Ninety-eight percent of women diagnosed with local breast cancer - cancer that hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes - survive at least five years.
Which types of cancer can be found early through screening?
Dr. Somer: Effective screening is available for breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer.
What are some examples of screening tests and exams?
Dr. Somer: Common types of cancer screening for people at average risk are:
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A yearly mammogram for breast cancer starting at age 40 for as long as a woman is in good health
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A colonoscopy to look for colorectal cancer starting at 50 and done every 10 years
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A yearly prostate-specific antigen blood test and digital rectal examination starting at age 50 to detect prostate cancer
If you’re at increased risk for certain cancers, you may need to start screening earlier. You may also need to be screened more often and/or have other tests.
How do I know if I’m at increased risk?
Dr. Somer: Having a personal or family history of certain types of cancer or other factors mean you’re at increased risk for developing cancer. Talk with your doctor about your screening needs.
About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper is an affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
For more information, call 1-800-8-COOPER or visit www.CooperCancer.org.
The contents of this article are provided for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.