One of the major reasons why people don’t get cancer screenings? They're afraid of what they might learn. But when it comes to cancer, ignorance is not bliss. The earlier that cancer is caught, the better the prognosis. Additionally, cancer screenings can help detect cancer before symptoms start—another reason why they are so important. The American Cancer Society has a helpful guide for knowing when to get various cancer screenings based on age. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and colon cancer or breast cancer runs in your family, it’s recommended to get screened for these types of cancer. If you’re in your mid-40s, it’s recommended to be screened for colon cancer and to start annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms. People in their 50s should get a yearly lung cancer screening and all men should have a prostate cancer screening.
And there is another test that many people don’t ask for that can help catch cancer early: a complete blood count (CBC) test. “A CBC test provides essential information about a patient’s overall health by measuring different blood cell types,” explainsDr. Maryssa M.C. Miller, MD, RD, an internal medicine doctor and registered dietitian at Foxhall Internists.Dr. Miller says that while a CBC test cannot diagnose cancer on its own, it can reveal early signs of certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, which often cause abnormal increases or decreases in blood cell counts. Related: The Viral Trend That Actually Raises Your Risk for Skin Cancer
How Often You Should Get a Complete Blood Count Test
There’s no question that CBC tests are beneficial. Does this mean you should be asking for one at every annual check-up? Not necessarily. Dr. Miller says that it’s not advised for healthy adults to receive routine CBC tests if they don’t have any symptoms or clinical reasons. “Evidence suggests that, on a population level, the likelihood of identifying a significant health issue through a CBC test alone is relatively low. Additionally, the potential harms—such as unnecessary follow-up tests, procedures and increased patient anxiety—may outweigh the benefits and costs of routine screening,” she explains.Related: 'I'm an Oncologist and This Is the Exact Diet I Follow for Cancer Prevention'
When it comes to cancer prevention, staying on top of screenings recommended for your age group, seeing your healthcare provider any time you’re experiencing symptoms you can’t explain, and asking for a CBC test when it makes sense to do so all play a role.
Related: This Is the Best Breakfast for Colon Cancer Prevention, According to a Doctor
Sources
Dr. Maryssa M.C. Miller, MD, RD, an internal medicine doctor and registered dietitian at Foxhall InternistsU.S. adults say logistics and “feeling healthy” among reasons they duck out of routine wellness visits and screenings. AflacTrends of Cancer Screenings, Diagnoses, and Mortalities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications and Future Recommendations. AmSurg. 2022Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age. American Cancer Society.Complete blood count for screening?Canadian Family Physician. 2017 Read More Details
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