But we are not groundhogs, and having solid information about cancer risk from medical professionals like oncologists empowers you to control what you can, so you're able to live the longest and healthiest life possible.
Dr. Jules Cohen, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center in New York, is well aware. His question: "How can you educate people about cancer if you can’t even mention its name?"
For instance, Dr. Cohen shares that early-stage breast cancer has high survival rates. Unfortunately, metastatic (cancer that has spread) pancreatic cancer that involves the liver isn't. "Cancer is a disease where cells develop molecular changes that make them grow in an uncontrolled fashion," he explains. "It’s not evil or cursed, per se, but rather a glitch in the system."
Still, Dr. Cohen shares it's important to have these discussions with your doctor, rather than feeling shame around your potential cancer risk and fears. "If you put your head in the sand because of fear…ironically, you increase your risk of having a bad outcome," he says.
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Two other oncologists agree.
Dr. Cohen says his patients who haven't attended regular screenings more often have later-stage cancers that require more therapy to squash and still have a higher risk of recurrence.
In fact, you can even avoid cancer by going to a screening. Dr. Cohen points out that a screening test may sometimes detect a precancerous lesion, such as a colon polyp or an abnormal Pap smear. Precancerous means exactly what you think it does: You don't have cancer yet.
The further the cancer spreads from where it started, the harder it is to treat, Dr. Cohen warns.
Related: We Asked 3 Oncologists About the Best Breakfast for Cancer Prevention and They All Said the Same Thing
6 Cancer Screenings Not To Skip
This screens for breast cancer. "During a mammogram, the breast is positioned between two plates while low-dose X-ray images are taken," he explains. "The compression can be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but the entire screening usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes."
He shares that some people have a higher risk of breast cancer and may benefit from earlier screenings and other imaging, like a breast MRI, along with a mammogram. A few of the factors that increase your breast cancer risk include:
Family history, including a first-degree relativeInherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.Dense breast tissue2. Pap smears and testing for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
And good news: "Self-testing has started to become available, and, in the future, not all women will always need to go to a gynecologist for screening," he states.
Famous is an understatement, but it could save your life. "While no one likes the prep, the test itself is more than manageable as it is performed under sedation," he says, adding it's important to use a testing center with a qualified anesthesiologist. "If there are no polyps found, patients often do not have to have another colonoscopy for 10 years."
Related: Oncologists Say This Kitchen Staple May Be Riskier Than You Think
4. Low-dose CT scan (LDCT)
Generally, he says people who qualify for these screenings will start at age 50. The USPSTF recommends annual LDCT screenings for people ages 50 to 80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history. They should either currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years.
Dr. Gosain notes that this test screens for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The results can flag prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men with average risk begin discussing PSA screening with their doctor at age 50. But if you have high-risk factors, like a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, you'll want to start that conversation sooner: Age 45. Higher-risk men will undergo annual screenings. Average-risk men will have screenings every two to four years.
6. Full-body skin exams
He says you'll benefit most from regular professional screenings if you have:
A personal or family history of melanomaA history of prior skin cancersFair skin that burns easily Light-colored eyesSignificant cumulative sun exposureLarge number of moles.That way, you can have instant peace of mind—or take quick action to snuff out skin cancer.
Related: The One Thing Oncologists Wish People Would Stop Storing in Their Fridge
Sources:
Dr. Jules Cohen, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center in New YorkDr. Rohit Gosain, MD, the co-host of The Oncology BrothersDr. Elias Obeid, MD, the medical director of Hackensack Meridian Hennessy Institute for Cancer Prevention and Applied Molecular MedicineBreast Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Cervical Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for Colorectal Cancer. CDC. Lung Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection. American Cancer Society.Hence then, the article about we asked 3 oncologists about the worst thing you can do for cancer risk and they all said the same thing was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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